It’s hard not to notice all the vacation photos and glowing tan lines in your newsfeed. Meanwhile, you’re slaving over a hot laptop, customizing another cover letter, staring at job boards, and feeling a sense of frustration. “Is anyone hiring right now?” you wonder. “Or… is literally everyone on vacation?”
No doubt, the “dog days” of summer can be a rough time for job hunters but it also creates opportunities. A recent Apt-AI study noted that July is traditionally one of the slowest hiring months, but, and there is good news, the slowdown can be turned into a strategic advantage.
While others are throwing up their hands and pledging to restart the hunt after Labor Day, you may just have the opportunity to stand out.
Why “Dog Days” Can Be an Opportunity
Yes, some companies experience a reduction in hiring during the summer. And yes, coordinating interviews while people are on vacation can extend timelines. However, the simple fact is companies still have projects to complete, budgets to utilize, and open positions to fill.
- Less Competition = More Visibility: While raw data on this subject is scant, it is estimated that nearly 50% of job hunters assume the next month is better spent on the beach. Essentially, fewer applicants are vying for the same positions which means your application has a significantly better chance of being seen.
- Sense of Urgency: It’s a good bet that if a company posts a job opening in August, when they perceive the talent pool is smaller, there is an urgent need. These urgent searches move a bit faster.
- Unique Networking Opportunities: Summer is a great time for informal networking. Conferences, outdoor business lunches, and even social events like bar-b-q’s offer a less formal environment to connect. Meytier, a Morgan Stanley backed, AI enabled, hiring intelligence platform suggests that recruiters tend to have less demand in the summer, making it a great time to make connections.
- Get Ready for Fall Hiring: Instead of cutting back on job hunting, use quieter moments to:
- Make sure your resume and LinkedIn Profile are properly aligned: Double check they are truly optimized with compelling achievements and relevant keywords.
- Practice your interview skills: I have heard many times from candidates that they don’t have time to practice their interview skills when in furious job-hunting mode. Mock interviews can make a huge difference and no better time to do it at a relaxed pace than the “dog days” of Summer.
- Target and learn about companies in your sector: Deep dive into recent news, culture, and open roles in your industry. You never know what you will learn.
- Upskill: Summer can also be the perfect time to tackle online courses or workshops you don’t have time for when job hunting heats up.
Your Pick-Me-Up Plan
Job hunting is a stressful time any time of year but don’t let the summer get you down. Instead, gain an edge!
- Mini-goals: Don’t stop applying for jobs and set achievable daily or weekly goals (e.g., apply to 3 jobs, network with 1 person, update one resume section) rather than focusing solely on finding new opportunities.
- Balance Work and Play: You can still enjoy the summer but dedicate specific hours to your job search. Engage in hobbies and summer activities. Burnout is a serious threat, and a refreshed mind is a more effective one.
- Stay Persistent and Be Positive: Every action taken during the “dog days” moves you closer to your goal. And your friends that have taken August off? They have not moved closer.
So, while others are hitting the beach, keep going – your next opportunity is right around the corner, waiting for you to find it amidst the summer calm.
Are you having difficulty finding talented employees to fill your open positions? With 25 years of experience, a 4.8 Google rating, an average experience level of 22 years, our own Thought Leadership Team, and an A+ rating from the BBB, you will quickly see why we’ve built so many permanent, long-term client relationships. Visit our website at www.execsallied.com/employers or Email us at info@execsallied.com. We are here to help!
