It’s easy to get lackadaisical about your job search in the summer. Hiring managers are on vacation, everyone’s taking casual Fridays and business just seems to move slower. Many feel like September is a better time to start a new project or job – much like we used to start a new grade with new clothes and new teachers.
But to start a new job in September, you have to be out there doing your searching and interviewing in—you guessed it—the summer.
Believe it or not, summer can be the best time to:
- Network—Find some summer activities that relate to your field and join in. Maybe your target company is sponsoring and you can meet someone new.
- Freelance—When people go on vacation, it doesn’t mean their work doesn’t need to still be completed. Companies may be looking for temporary or short-term contract talent with your skills. Get your foot in the door for future projects.
- Volunteer—Many organizations have special events or large-scale projects that they tackle in the summer months. Find a non-profit whose mission you are passionate about and put your skills to work for them.
- Replenish your energy—Get outside, get more exercise, improve your health and your outlook and you will have more enthusiasm for your job search efforts in the second half of the year.
I have two friends starting new jobs next week, one of them with Artisan! They will spend this summer getting their feet under them in their new adventures.
What do you have planned?
Wendy Stackhouse, for Artisan Creative