Don't Take the Summer Off Your Job Hunt

Every year around this time, I hear the same thing:

"Steph, surely the job market slows down over summer?"

And honestly, I understand why people think that.

People go on holiday. Recruiters take annual leave. LinkedIn feels a little quieter. There are BBQs, weekends away and far better things to be doing than sitting indoors applying for jobs.

But I've never believed summer is a bad time to look for a role.

In fact, I was hired by Apple in August 2014.

Apple had started recruiting for the role much earlier in the summer because they were preparing for one of the busiest periods of their year. New products launch in September, consumer demand ramps up, and then Black Friday and Christmas arrive in quick succession.

Many retail, tech and consumer goods businesses work in a similar way. Summer is often when they start building teams so people are up to speed before the busy season begins.

Which is why I've always found it strange when candidates decide to stop job hunting for the summer.

Why do people think summer is a bad time to job hunt

I think there are two reasons.

The first is that summer simply feels quieter.

The second is that job hunting is hard work.

If you're currently employed, it can be tempting to tell yourself you'll start looking properly in September. If you've been job hunting for a while, you might feel like you deserve a break.

And to be clear, I think everyone deserves a break.

What I don't think you should do is completely stop.

Because while candidates often pause over summer, many businesses don't.

They still have growth targets to hit. Teams to build. Vacancies to fill.

The opportunity most candidates miss

Many candidates pause their job hunt over summer.

Businesses often don't.

That's where the opportunity lies.

While everyone else is waiting for September, companies are still interviewing, making offers and hiring great people.

Every summer, I see clients securing fantastic roles across all sorts of businesses.

Over the years, I've had clients land roles at companies like Apple, LEGO, Nike and Airbnb. Others have joined exciting start-ups, fast-growing scale-ups and some of the world's biggest creative agencies.

The opportunities don't disappear just because the weather improves.

In fact, some businesses are actively ramping up hiring during the summer months so they have the right people in place before their busiest periods begin.

The common theme isn't luck.

The common theme is consistency.

The people who keep networking, applying and having conversations throughout the summer are the people starting new jobs in September and October.

How to make summer work for you

1. Create a process

Summer is not the time to spend every waking hour job hunting.

Instead, create a simple weekly process.

Decide what you're going to do each week. Networking, applications, research and interview preparation.

Block the time in your diary and stick to it.

Then, outside of those hours, enjoy the summer guilt-free.

The key is having structure.

2. Work on your mindset

Job hunting is as much about mindset as it is strategy.

Especially if you've been searching for a while.

Summer is a great opportunity to invest in your personal growth and development.

Two books I recommend to every client are The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod and The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson.

Neither is specifically about job hunting, but both will help you build the resilience and consistency needed to keep moving towards your goals.

Don't wait for September

Some of the best opportunities I've seen have come up during the summer months.

So if you've outgrown your current role and you're ready for your next challenge, don't convince yourself that everything is on hold until September.

Create a process.

Protect your mindset.

Enjoy the sunshine.

And keep moving forward.

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