It's summer!
These summer job search tips can help you stay active when business slows, so you can keep moving, build your resume, and sharpen interview skills without losing momentum.
Summary
Summer can be a strong time to keep your job search moving if you plan around slower hiring timelines and use flexible schedules well. Stay proactive by applying fast, networking, setting up job alerts, and staying available to recruiters while you travel or work. Using mobile job applications and focusing your effort on the best days to apply for jobs can help you keep momentum.
Keep an Eye on the Calendar and Plan
- Expect delays. The interview process often slows in summer. Hiring managers may be out of the office on vacation. Keep your search active, but expect slower replies on new jobs, interview feedback, and job-offer decisions.
- Apply as soon as you see a role that fits. Even with low unemployment, managers still get many resumes. Applying soon after a job opens can put your resume near the top of the stack and improve your chance of an interview.
- Plan your search around the summer work week. Focus on Monday through Thursday, which are often the best days to apply for jobs and follow up with hiring managers.
Take Advantage of Summer Flexibility
- If you work remotely or your company allows summer Fridays, use the extra time for an info interview at a company that interests you. A few info interview tips can help you prepare and learn more before you apply.
- A vacation does not mean your job search has to stop. Let the recruiter know whether you can check email or join a phone or video interview while away. That can help keep the process moving.
Use Technology
- Most job boards and companies now offer a simple 1-3 step application process you can finish from your mobile phone or tablet. These mobile job applications make it easier to act fast when a role opens.
- Set up job alerts from your preferred consulting firms, companies, or job boards so you can stay current on who is hiring while you are away.
- If you are working during the day, tell your recruiter whether you can reply by text. That helps you stay available when interview requests or new jobs come through.
Following this advice should help you use summer's slower pace and keep steady momentum in your job search.
Q&A
Question: Is summer a good time to search for a job?
Answer: Yes. Hiring timelines may slow because managers are on vacation or out of the office, but summer can still be a strong time to keep your search moving. Stay proactive, apply fast when roles open, and use slower periods to network, improve your resume, and practice interview skills.
Question: Why should I apply quickly when I see a job that interests me?
Answer: Applying soon after a job opens can help place your resume near the top of the stack. Since managers may still receive many resumes, early action can improve your chance of being noticed and selected for an interview.
Question: How should I organize my job search during the summer work week?
Answer: Focus your most important job search activities between Monday and Thursday. Those are often the best days to apply for jobs because hiring managers are more likely to be in the office, reviewing resumes, and handling follow-up.
Question: Should I pause my job search while I'm on vacation?
Answer: Not necessarily. If you are willing and able to stay connected, let your recruiter know whether you can check email or join a phone or video interview while away. That can help keep the process moving during travel.
Question: What technology can help me stay active in my summer job search?
Answer: Use mobile job applications, set up job alerts, and text with recruiters when needed. These tools make it easier to respond quickly to new opportunities, interview requests, and hiring updates, even when you are away from your computer.
