Is it a good time to be looking for a job?
It’s summer, a time when many job seekers (or workers planning a job move) ponder whether they should put their searches on hold. Since summer is vacation time and many companies take advantage of the slower pace (and the weather) by reducing hours (e.g. take Friday afternoons off), the assumption is that hiring managers are less accessible and available to schedule interviews and, in general, just not in hiring mode.
This assumption is far from reality, as surveys of employers from year to year tend to show a majority are hiring during the summer, and not just for temporary/seasonal employment. With the slower pace of summer, there’s more time to schedule interviews. Also, the interviewing process is likely to speed up instead of slow down, since vacation schedules may require faster decision-making than usual.
Since many companies ratchet up activity come September due to fall trade shows, meeting fiscal goals for the fourth quarter, or preparing for the holidays, the summer is the time to plan and prepare for the fall’s greater workloads by increasing staff. Also, with the summer season being less hectic, employers see it as a good time to bring on and train a new employee, getting them prepared for the busier months ahead.
Given the prevailing assumption that summer isn’t a good to job hunt, it’s estimated that more than half of job seekers drop out of active job hunting. This means that any job seekers who decide to launch or continue their job search will find their competition is dramatically reduced.
The fact that summer is a low-key, relaxed time means that prospective employers will also be more open and receptive to your inquiries and pitches. With the work schedules of most people being less crowded, there’s more of an opportunity to invite networking contacts to lunch or to play a round of golf. Better yet, throw a lawn party, barbecue or picnic to strengthen your relationship with those contacts.
So, even though the pool, beach or patio are calling you, you need to keep your focus on the end goal and kick your job search into gear or keep the wheels turning. Polish your resume, create a job search plan and reach out to your network and target contacts with prospective employers. Summer is the right season to find that new job or start that career.
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