How to get a job in the summer

So summer has finally arrived and now is the time to spend lazy days by the pool, catch a great baseball game and plan your next vacation.  It is also, contrary to popular belief, a great time to be looking for a new job. If you have been on the search for a while or you are just beginning to put out some preliminary “feelers’, here are a few reasons why summertime is your “go-to” time for finding a new job.

 1.  Vacation, Vacation, Vacation

 If you are on vacation or planning one, so are a lot of other people.  Historically, the number of job applicants per job opening goes down significantly between the middle of June to the beginning of September.  What does that mean for you?  Less competition!   So if there is a job or a company you are interested in but seem to never get the interview, summertime may just be your chance to get your proverbial foot in the door.  There is a perception that companies don’t hire in the summertime. That is a myth.  In fact, the number of job openings for corporations, medium sized and small businesses is, on average, the same in July as it is in February.

2.  Shorter Interview Cycle

It is a fact.  More people take vacations in July and August than any other time of the year.  Why is this a positive for you, the job seeker? Well, not everyone can be out of the office, but when it is vacation season, there are fewer interviews, less obstacles and fewer people that you have to “meet and greet” throughout the interview/hire cycle.  So if you have been one of those folks who have been through one in-person, 2 panel and a “tour of the office” interviews for one single job, know that in the summertime, the number of interviews you have to go on before you get an offer is mostly likely to be cut by 50% or more.

 3.  Summertime can be a slow season for some industries

In some industries, Human Resource and hiring managers have more time to interview and hire candidates in the summertime because it their “slow season”.  So if you are a Regional Manager or Retail industry executive and you want to get a job with Wal-Mart or Coca Cola, getting an interview in November or December is nearly impossible, but in August, you are a shoo in!   Summer time is a great time for companies and industries to build their staff and teams.

4.  It is sunny outside, everyone is in a (relatively) good mood and everyone wants to get out of work on time.

Hiring is happening even if it is hot, hot, hot outside.  It is a “cool” time to be interviewing for a job in the summer because there is a diminished amount of stress and urgency when the weather is beautiful and we still have 3 months to go to our “busy” season.  You will find that even thought you hate putting on a suit when it is 90 degrees outside, there will be a definitely more casual feel to the process and if you are in the right place at the right time, this could be your time to shine.

5.  Consulting/Temp/Contract Jobs are Plentiful

Many companies will hire Temp or Contract talent to fill short term jobs left open by extended summer vacations or sabbaticals.   If you have never considered temping or consulting, it may be the perfect way to find the perfect job.  If you perform well, make the right connections and really fill the need the company needs, you may be considered for long-term or full time employment, now or in the future.  So, don’t treat it like a temp job, treat it like a “real” job and you just might find yourself gainfully employed by September. 

 Some other tips and tools for the summer job seeker.

• Just because it is summer and it is a more “casual” season, don’t drop the ball on your interviewing style. Don’t show up in “summer’ attire, short skirts, halters, sandals or any other beachwear in anticipation of a hot day.  Guys, stick with your suit and tie and treat the summer interview just like any other.
• Be patient. Yes, you go the interview, yes there are less people to meet, yes the cycle will be shorter. But, in all fairness, some decision makers or even people you have interviewed with may have a vacation planned for the week after your interview.  So, follow up once and then let them call you.  No one wants to come back from vacation to 10 voicemails from someone they interviewed the beginning of the month.  If it is a good fit, they will call you.
• Summer is an opportune time to take a long weekend to jumpstart your job search. Your boss will not be think twice about your request for days off during June, July and August. So, set up that interview for a Friday or Monday and combine it with a long weekend away from your current job and no one will be the wiser!

Robynn Storey, PHR is the owner of Storeyline Resumes, LinkedIn’s #1 ranked Executive Resume and Profile branding Service. Storeyline offers affordable, personalized and targeted resume and profile development packages for professionals at all levels.  Established in 2000, with over 40,000 happy clients.

Need help with your brand before you set out on your next job search adventure?  Storeyline Resumes can help!  Call us today and mention “Summer” for a special summer package for our LinkedIn followers. 

Contact Us:  1-877-276-1027 – www.storeylineresumes.com – [email protected]