Don’t set job search aside for the summer

Like most business activities, job searching has its peak seasons. Take January, for instance. After they exhale from the holiday excitement, many human resource professionals dive into recruiting processes, filling work force gaps to achieve goals in the new year.

September is another busy time. The slow pace of summertime wears off and employers kick into action, hiring new personnel to ramp up productivity in the autumn months.

Welcome to leisurely mid-July. Loaded with celebrations and family vacations, summer has a reputation for drawing attention away from the workplace and onto the beach. Or the patio. Or anywhere where there’s less work and more play.

But seasonal ups and downs are different for job hunters. Typically, people who are seeking new employment have one of two timeframes in mind: Either they need a new job now – right now – or they want one in the near future. Here are a few tips for navigating the slower pace of summer:

Contact organizations now to prepare for post-summer needs. Companies may decrease their recruiting efforts in July and August, but they never completely stop. Organizations deal with staff turnover year round, which means new positions open up all the time.

If you are serious about landing a new position, proceed with your job search as you would during any other time. This means writing a persuasive cover letter and resume, researching companies and making a positive impact in your first correspondence.

You may need to follow up with employers in the fall, but they will remember your name, giving you a leg up over other job seekers.

Talk about your needs and objectives. You never know who’s hiring until you ask. Just because you don’t see as many help-wanted advertisements doesn’t mean opportunities aren’t available.

Word of mouth is a powerful job hunting tool, and it’s almost always a good time to initiate contact with a potential employer. Start conversations, ask questions, and send your resume and cover letter to hiring managers as soon as you’re ready.

Consider seasonal employment. If money is on your mind, or you have too much time on your hands, seasonal employment may meet your immediate needs. Many industries expand their work forces in the summer to address changing business requirements.

To find summer work, consider businesses that cater to tourists or rely on seasonal food, travel or services to thrive in the marketplace. Contact these companies directly, and be prepared to offer details about your availability, such as the days and times that you can work.

Take a break. Taking time away can be a challenge for eager job seekers, but the more pressure you feel, the more important it is to get your mind off your job search, even if it’s only for the afternoon.

See a movie. Go roller-skating. Do something – anything – that will give you the energy to keep going. Sometimes a few hours with family and friends are enough to remind you why you want a new job to begin with – to make life more enjoyable!

Summer can be stressful for job seekers. Keep your head up, and focus on moving forward. The busy season is coming soon.

Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.