Summertime means a busy social schedule and a slower professional pace.
The office gets a little quieter as people make use of their vacation time. Meetings may move outdoors (if there's shade and a decent breeze). Friday afternoons tend to wrap up early. It's this relaxed atmosphere that can lead job seekers to believe summer maybe isn't the best time to search for a new role... But is that true?
At SEO Executive Search, we regularly provide career guidance that challenges this myth. Far from being a dead zone, the sunny season might actually be one of the best times of the year to land your next position. Here are four reasons why you should keep your job hunt active during the summer.
1. Considerably Less Competition
Because so many people assume summer is a sub-optimal time to job search, they pause their efforts until fall. With fewer resumes flooding the inbox, your application naturally stands out. A decade of hiring data shows that June is actually a prime month for hiring, so keep your resume polished while others take a break.
2. Hiring Managers Have More Time
While you might encounter a few out-of-office automated emails, hiring managers generally experience lighter workloads during the summer months. This gives them breathing room to thoroughly review applications and fill open roles, increasing the likelihood of your resume getting the prompt, genuine attention you wish it always had.
3. Easier Time Off for Interviews
Scheduling interviews without raising suspicion can be tricky, if you're hunting for new work while holding down your current job. (Which, for the sake of financial peace-of-mind, is not a bad idea.) But summer offers a natural cover. Taking a random morning or afternoon of PTO is incredibly common this time of year. You can easily sneak away for an interview without piquing your boss’s curiosity.
4. Relaxed Networking Opportunities
The slow summer pace can make professionals more open to casual meetings. Scheduling informational interviews or quick coffee chats becomes significantly easier when schedules aren't so jam-packed. It's the perfect, low-pressure environment to expand your professional network effectively.
The Bottom Line
If you think summer is a slow hiring season, think again. Hiring managers are always on the hunt for top talent. Keep the momentum going, keep plugging away, and let summer's proximity to the sun help your job search heat up.