It is the summer season, and the time when workers are notoriously out of office, unwinding and spending time with family. The majority of Americans (56%) plan to take a vacation this summer, with 21% of people having a scheduled trip in August, according to data from consumer insights platform AYTM.
Although human resources personnel and hiring managers may be unreachable while they soak up the sun, potentially slowing the interview process, job seekers can take several proactive steps to stay active and competitive.
One of the most effective strategies during this time period is to focus on personal and professional development.
The Power Of Networking
Networking is crucial during this downtime. Job seekers should take advantage of the slower pace to reach out to industry contacts, attend virtual networking events and engage with professional groups on platforms like LinkedIn.
Building and maintaining a strong professional network can lead to valuable connections and potential job opportunities once the hiring season picks up again.
Cultivating An Online Presence
To get the ball rolling, job seekers should work on developing a strong online presence. This involves updating their LinkedIn profile, engaging in relevant online discussions and sharing industry-related content to showcase their expertise.
Attending industry events and webinars, even if they are virtual, can be highly beneficial, as these meetings provide opportunities to learn about the latest trends and connect with professionals who share similar interests.
Leveraging social media platforms beyond LinkedIn, such as X, Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, and industry-specific forums can help job seekers stay connected with the latest developments and engage with thought leaders in their field. Joining professional associations and participating in their activities can also expand one’s network and provide access to exclusive job opportunities that are often not advertised.
Another valuable online strategy is seeking informational interviews. Reaching out to professionals in desired industries for brief, informal conversations can provide insights into specific roles and companies, and help build meaningful connections. It’s important to prepare insightful questions and approach these interviews with a genuine interest in learning, rather than directly asking for a job.
It’s also essential that you are interacting with the right people. Job seekers should aim to connect with individuals who are at a similar career level or those who could potentially be their supervisors. While it might be less practical to contact senior executives directly for entry-level positions, asking them for referrals to appropriate contacts can be a strategic move.
Personal And Professional Development
Moreover, August is an opportune time for job hunters to take online courses or earn certifications relevant to their field. These activities not only enhance skills and professional credentials, but also demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, which can be attractive to potential employers.
Candidates can also use this period to refine their job search materials. This includes updating their résumé or tailoring their cover letters for specific roles.
Job seekers should also be practicing their interviewing skills, either through mock interviews or by preparing answers to commonly asked questions. This helps applicants become more comfortable with the interview process, allowing them to polish their responses and improve their overall presentation. This preparation not only builds confidence, but also enables candidates to identify and address areas where they may struggle.
Researching potential employers and industries is another productive use of time. Job seekers can identify companies they are interested in, learn about their culture, products and services, and stay informed about industry trends. This knowledge can be useful in tailoring applications and preparing for future interviews.
Lastly, staying organized and setting specific job search goals can help maintain momentum. Creating a job search schedule, setting daily or weekly targets for applications and tracking progress can ensure that job hunters remain focused and productive even during sluggish periods.
By engaging in these activities, job seekers can turn August into a fruitful time for growth and preparation, positioning themselves for success when hiring activities resume in early to mid September.
Source: Forbes
