As temperatures soar, we’re all trying to take it a bit easier. But ease up on your job search? While the pace may be slower, summer is as good a time as any to review your resume, work on your interview skills and step up your networking. In other words, land that IT job you seek.
IT Jobs Market Summer 2023
While hiring by the tech industry this summer has slowed somewhat, other industries continue to look for tech workers. In May, tech occupations across the economy increased by 45,000 jobs and, at 2%, the unemployment rate remains well below the national figure of 3.7%, according to CompTIA’s analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Employer job postings for future tech hiring totaled nearly 234,000. Top positions companies are looking to hire include:
- Software developers and Engineers
- IT Project Managers
- Data Analysts
- IT Support Specialists
About one in five job postings are for positions in emerging technologies or in jobs that require emerging tech skills, including nearly 15,000 openings involved with artificial intelligence.
Industries that are hiring include:
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
- Administrative and Support
- Finance and Insurance
- Manufacturing
- Information
Our Recruiters’ Tips for Summer Job Search
Genesis10’s national team of experienced recruiters recently pooled their collective understanding of seasonal fluctuations in the job search and came up with these tips to help you find the role that’s right for you this summer:
Before you begin, take some time to spruce up your resume and create a job search plan with goals and milestones to help keep you on track and accountable.
Pace Slows in Summer
- Patience is a virtue. The interview process slows in summer. Hiring managers may be out of the office on vacation. Keep your search active but expect delays on new jobs, interview feedback and job-offer decisions.
- Apply now if you see a new job that interests you! Despite low unemployment, managers still receive lots of resumes for most jobs. By applying close to when the job opens, you ensure your resume is at the "top of the stack" and improve your chance of being selected to interview.
- Align your job search efforts to the summer work week. Pack your job search activity into a Monday through Thursday week when hiring managers are more likely to be in the office and engaged in reading resumes.
- But take control to avoid burnout. Dedicate time during the day for your search efforts, then take breaks and do something you enjoy, a walk in the park, meditate or have lunch. This will help you stay in balance and start fresh each day.
Think Like a Hiring Manager
- If you’re working remote or your company allows for summer Fridays, use extra time to schedule an informational interview at a company that interests you, or do research on potential employers while relaxing in your backyard. Or take a vacation day and do it.
- A vacation doesn’t mean your job search needs to go on hold. Let the recruiter know if you can do a phone/video interview or will be checking email while on vacation to keep the job search process moving.
Let Your Phone Help You
Most job boards and companies now have an easy 1-3 step application process you can complete right from your mobile phone or tablet.
- Store an electronic copy of your resume in Dropbox or the website of your online portfolio so you can apply virtually anywhere.
- Set up automated job search alerts from your preferred consulting firms, companies or job board such as Indeed.com so you can stay up to date on who is hiring while you are away.
- If you are working during the day, let your recruiter know if you can respond via text message to be available when interview requests or new jobs come through!
- Remember to always answer your phone professionally and upbeat. You never know who could be calling!
Don’t give up. Keep at it. Searching for a job takes time. Continue to apply. Refresh your resume on job boards. Stay active on LinkedIn. The right opportunity will present itself. Review tips to shine at interviews so that you’re ready when the time comes. Reach out to your recruiter. In my experience, there will be slow periods, but then everything will hit at once. Don’t lose hope and keep networking.
Stay positive!
