How job hunters can make the most of the summer break - 2020 update

In the summer of 2018, I wrote this article.

When we were not in the middle of a pandemic, it was quite normal for the job market to slow down during the long summer holiday. Mainly because hiring managers would take some time out which in turn, delayed interviews and extended decision making.

The rhythm is just a little bit different this year. People are still hiring in 2020 and as ever, the summer is a great opportunity to review your approach to the job market.

Get clear and get current

It's time for a clean up. Update your job application tracker, chase applications for roles if you like, otherwise remove them from the list, all they do is take up head space.

If you would like to get your hand on my free tracker document, you can download it here.

Review Your Performance

• Are you happy with all elements of your job search? How well is your CV performing? Take a look at my eBook, "How to Write Your Best Ever CV" so that it can show you in the best way possible.
• What about your LinkedIn profile? This is your calling card, is it reflecting your skills and experience? Are the right type of people connecting with you? What about your content, is it time to write an article that could help to highlight your skills and experience?
• Review your interview technique. Have you uncovered any additional STAR Stories that you can to add to your repertoire?

Navigate the "Blank Space"

• Do some thinking around the bigger picture. Has your job search been sidetracked or veered away from your original objective? Are you ok with where it is going? Do you need to course correct to get it back on track? If so, now is the time to reconnect with the types of roles and organisations where you are a perfect match.
• Deal with those niggling jobs around the house that you have been putting off, you won't have the opportunity to do this once you start working.
• Be kind to your future self. Take some time out to refresh and recharge, you will then be ready to tackle the job market with renewed vigour.
• Learn something. There are so many free webinars and courses available now, this is a perfect opportunity to brush up your current skills or to learn something completely new. My husband used his furlough leave to teach himself to touch type, he is now a more efficient programmer just because he can type faster than he could before.
• Create a bucket list of things to do once this pandemic is all over. Make a list of all the places you want to visit, the shows that you want to see and start to do some research. This will give you something to look forward to during this challenging time.

#interviews #preparation #jobhunting #cv

Jane began training as a coach with Ashridge Business School in 2011, while working as an HR Business Partner at British Airways. She works with clients to find the role of their dreams. She has held a variety of Senior HR positions, most recently as Head of Training roles in an SME and Head of Talent at British Airways.

If you would like to work with Jane on a 1:1 basis to write a new chapter to your life story then please get in touch via LinkedIN or email: [email protected].