Stepping up your summer job search

For some businesses and some people summer comes along with a leisurely pace and additional time out of the office. Searching for a job during this season has some disadvantages, but just as many opportunities. Here’s how to take advantage of the good weather and turn the heat up on your summer job search from WinterWyman.

Kick your job search into high gear

Soar past the competition. Many people think that summer is a bad time to search for a job and slow down their pace. Sure, it can be challenging when scheduling meetings and interviews around vacations, but that’s just a logistical issue. By kicking your search into high gear, you are much better positioned to score a job when fewer people are job hunting.

Take a temporary summer job

Contractors and temps are often in high demand during the summer to cover for leaves and vacations. If you are unemployed, consider taking a contract gig for the summer while you look for full-time employment. For college students, or other professionals who have permanent jobs starting in September, consider a short-term assignment to keep you working – especially in case your full-time offer gets rescinded. Thankfully this doesn’t happen often, but CPA and law firms have been known on occasion to pull offers from incoming graduates. Better to be working, even part time, than not at all.

Remember that companies don’t shut down for the summer

They still have deliverables and projects to launch or complete. With the exception of some manufacturing companies, businesses keep on chugging throughout the summer months. You may want to kick back and enjoy the good weather, but work continues. Don’t be lulled into thinking that companies are on vacation, too.

Start-ups and investments are not seasonal

Entrepreneurs start and develop companies all year round. Investors and funding happen during the summer, too. Next time you hit the beach or are sitting by the pool, check out your local business publications and online communities to see what’s being launched in your area of interest.

It’s a good time to cash out

Many bonuses are paid out in the spring, and unless your work situation is unbearable, it’s often advisable to stay in place until you receive your payout. That makes summer an ideal time to start looking for your next opportunity especially if it involves relocating or moving.

The networking opportunities are endless

Networking is about connecting with people, not asking them for a job, and the summer is a great time for getting together. People are motivated to be outside and around others. Use every opportunity to network, whether it’s attending a ball game, playing a round of golf or going to a cookout. Have your message or elevator speech down pat about what you do and what you are looking for and seek out advice in this nonthreatening environment. Also, take advantage of as many social opportunities as you can. If you have a friend working at a company of interest, make sure you receive an invite when he or she is going out for drinks with colleagues. You never know what connections you could make.

Companies still hire in the summer

At WinterWyman, the summer months are often the strongest for searches and placements. Businesses constantly need talent and although scheduling interviews can be tough, it’s not impossible. Stick with it and come out on top.

Go on vacation, but don’t check out

Whether working or not, most people have vacation plans during the summer. It’s expected. When you’re searching for a job, however, you need to be flexible with your vacationing. If you are in the midst of interviewing, consider taking off one week instead of two. If you are deep in the process, offer to delay your vacation if possible. It’s rare that an employer will take you up on this, but they will definitely appreciate the gesture. Also, make sure you are reachable. Today, with video chat and mobile connectivity, unless you are traversing the Himalayas, you should be able to schedule a meeting, conduct a phone interview or review an offer from wherever you are.

Take advantage of the happy

Good weather often brings good attitudes, especially in the early months of summer. Having a sunny day won’t score you a job, but it might put a smile on your interviewer’s face and a spring in his or her step that you wouldn’t see on a dingy March morning. Use this to your advantage and follow suit with your own positive vibe.

Seek out industries that hire for the fall

While tourism and hospitality companies hire talent specifically for the summer, and retail jobs peak in the winter, some organizations like schools finalize their hiring plans during the summer. Many CPA and legal firms also bring on new grads for the fall. Look at labor reports and business publications to find industries in your area that tend to hire during the summer for positions in the fall.