Think the summer is a bad time for job searching? Think again! Break out the BBQ, grab a cocktail and have some fun doing your job search.
For some reason, we have always been told that searching for a job during the summer months is a bad idea — and, dare I say, a long road. Luckily for you, that’s just a myth! The summer is a great opportunity to start your new job search and find the perfect role for you.
Here’s why:
1. There Are More Activities Available
Summer is a great time to network, network and network some more. There are more opportunities to get outside, do something fun and make great new connections while you’re at it.
By the time summer rolls around, we’re all tired of networking inside dark restaurants or convention centers, so more people tend to attend outside events — which increases the number of possible connections for you to meet. These events can also be casual settings, making it easier to chat over a burger with cocktails.
Try to attend an activity or event that’s outside of your traditional networking event. These opportunities allow you to meet people outside of your industry, but can still help you get access to their company and networks. In other words, while hiking, you may meet the one connection that will help you land your new role. (Tweet this thought.)
2. Fewer People Are Searching for the Same Job
The truth is there are fewer job seekers during the summer months. Maybe it’s due to the fact that people would rather bask in the sun or they think they “know” there aren’t any positions available; regardless, it’s a great opportunity to increase your odds of being chosen as a candidate.
Not only will you have a greater chance of your resume being sent through the online application process, but you’ll be able to follow up a lot easier as the recruiter’s inbox won’t be as full. Use this to your advantage and ensure you don’t fall into the summertime trap, but instead take every advantage you can get.
3. Summertime Positions Are Real Positions
We’ve all been burned by positions that were open as placeholders or to appease year-end budgetary needs. That’s not likely the case for positions you find during the summer months. In other words, the positions you find are actually vacant and seeking the perfect candidate — like you.
Don’t second-guess the positions you find; the hiring manager is likely eager to find someone to step into their open role so they can enjoy what’s left of their own summer. Summer positions tend to move more quickly as it’s more difficult to align schedules, so things are set up urgently. Keep this in mind when you see a great opening.
4. Your Own Schedule Has a Bit More Flexibility
It’s summer, after all — your workload may have lightened up a bit or you may find yourself able to leave the office earlier. You may not be able to leave early every day, but take the flexibility and bonus time when you can and devote it to your job search.
With a few extra hours here and there, not to mention it being a lot easier to take a half-day for interviewing duties, you’ll be able to make more progress in your job search. These little moments add up — and could be the key to landing your new role.
So don’t put your job search on hold during the summer months. It’s a great time to take advantage of the positions that are listed, along with the benefits that come with summer — and to stand out among other candidates. At the very least, start planting seeds with new connections while networking outside.
How are you using the summer to make the most of your job search? Share in the comments!
This post originally appeared at Chameleon Resumes.
Image: Photobucket
