I don’t know about you, but his summer seems to be flying by. We’re already nearing the end of July, and for those of us North of 45, that only means 6 more weeks of reliable weather. Actually, the midpoint between June 21 and September 21 is August 8, so we’re not even halfway through this fleeting season. That means there’s still plenty of time to reap the career rewards of the “Summer Effect.”
- You have a better shot during the summer. Despite the common belief that the job market is “dead“ in the summer, statistically, you’re as likely to find a job during summer as any other season. In fact, your odds improve since you won’t have as much competition.
- Summer is a great time to bring new hires on-board. Despite what the calendar tells us, many people see September as the start of the year. For companies planning to launch new products, campaigns and initiatives in the fall, summer is the time for them to prepare.
- Use it or lose it. Many companies must spend down their budget before fiscal year-end, so summer is the time to hire people who can hit the ground running and maximize their spend. You might as well be one of them!
- Contract opportunities open up during the summer. Covering an employee vacation with a summer contract might get your foot in the door. Since 40% of contracts eventually lead to employment, this is a great way to get known to an organization and get some fresh experience for your résumé.
- Interviewing can be extended during the summer. Due to periodic vacations, hiring managers are in and out of the office. You may have to meet multiple times to cover all the players involved in the hiring decision. This is a perfect opportunity for you to demonstrate flexibility by showing your positive attitude, patience and persistence.
- Employers don’t care what month it is. Hiring isn’t focused on the time of year, rather on the company’s needs. Demonstrate your commitment by making yourself available. One of our clients got an invitation for an interview late on the Friday of the May long weekend. The hiring manager noted that saying yes spoke volumes about their work ethic, and they got an offer the next week!
- Summer the perfect time to network. Whether you’re meeting up with former co-workers after work or attending a neighbourhood block party, people are generally upbeat with conversation ranging from vacation plans to what’s next in everyone’s career. Another client met the perfect connection into a target company that had been impenetrable at a neighbour’s BBQ. The conversation led to a strategic introduction that resulted in a great offer.
- Spread the word. When you get together with family and friends, make sure you let them know you’re looking and what you’re looking for. We’ve had clients land jobs from sources as disparate as their grandmother’s Mah Jong group and the parent of their child’s camp bunkmate.
- No “excuses” needed. When you do land a summer interview, you may have an easier time explaining your absence from the office or away from your screen, as everyone is taking PTO when they can. Far better than pretending you have “a dental appointment” again!
- Nice weather tends to make people more relaxed. When you do get in to see someone–whether for a networking meeting or an interview– they may be more open and generous with their time. Plus, it’s easier to meet someone for a coffee meeting when it’s not freezing cold!
Whether you’re a Canadian looking forward to the August Civic Holiday or an American planning your annual vacation, remember that summer is also a great time to activate–not decelerate–your job search. Let us know if you’d like some help.
Day Merrill, M.A., is the founding Partner and Career/Executive Coach for 2BDetermined. She is a 30-year career services professional with expertise coaching individuals and teams on a range of career and work-related topics as well as consulting to organizations in Canada and the U.S. on their workforce development needs. Day holds a B.A. from Connecticut College, a Master of Arts from Wesleyan University and has completed Coach U’s coach certification training.
Day Merrill
2BDetermined Partner Day Merrill
Day Merrill, M.A.
Founder & Principal
2BDetermined Inc.
Office: 416.725.2947
E-Mail Day
Connect with Me
I don’t know about you, but his summer seems to be flying by. We’re already nearing the end of July, and for those of us North of 45, that only means 6 more weeks of reliable weather. Actually, the midpoint between June 21 and September 21 is August 8, so we’re not even halfway through this fleeting season. That means there’s still plenty of time to reap the career rewards of the “Summer Effect.”
- You have a better shot during the summer. Despite the common belief that the job market is “dead“ in the summer, statistically, you’re as likely to find a job during summer as any other season. In fact, your odds improve since you won’t have as much competition.
- Summer is a great time to bring new hires on-board. Despite what the calendar tells us, many people see September as the start of the year. For companies planning to launch new products, campaigns and initiatives in the fall, summer is the time for them to prepare.
- Use it or lose it. Many companies must spend down their budget before fiscal year-end, so summer is the time to hire people who can hit the ground running and maximize their spend. You might as well be one of them!
- Contract opportunities open up during the summer. Covering an employee vacation with a summer contract might get your foot in the door. Since 40% of contracts eventually lead to employment, this is a great way to get known to an organization and get some fresh experience for your résumé.
- Interviewing can be extended during the summer. Due to periodic vacations, hiring managers are in and out of the office. You may have to meet multiple times to cover all the players involved in the hiring decision. This is a perfect opportunity for you to demonstrate flexibility by showing your positive attitude, patience and persistence.
- Employers don’t care what month it is. Hiring isn’t focused on the time of year, rather on the company’s needs. Demonstrate your commitment by making yourself available. One of our clients got an invitation for an interview late on the Friday of the May long weekend. The hiring manager noted that saying yes spoke volumes about their work ethic, and they got an offer the next week!
- Summer the perfect time to network. Whether you’re meeting up with former co-workers after work or attending a neighbourhood block party, people are generally upbeat with conversation ranging from vacation plans to what’s next in everyone’s career. Another client met the perfect connection into a target company that had been impenetrable at a neighbour’s BBQ. The conversation led to a strategic introduction that resulted in a great offer.
- Spread the word. When you get together with family and friends, make sure you let them know you’re looking and what you’re looking for. We’ve had clients land jobs from sources as disparate as their grandmother’s Mah Jong group and the parent of their child’s camp bunkmate.
- No “excuses” needed. When you do land a summer interview, you may have an easier time explaining your absence from the office or away from your screen, as everyone is taking PTO when they can. Far better than pretending you have “a dental appointment” again!
- Nice weather tends to make people more relaxed. When you do get in to see someone–whether for a networking meeting or an interview– they may be more open and generous with their time. Plus, it’s easier to meet someone for a coffee meeting when it’s not freezing cold!
Whether you’re a Canadian looking forward to the August Civic Holiday or an American planning your annual vacation, remember that summer is also a great time to activate–not decelerate–your job search. Let us know if you’d like some help.
Day Merrill, M.A., is the founding Partner and Career/Executive Coach for 2BDetermined. She is a 30-year career services professional with expertise coaching individuals and teams on a range of career and work-related topics as well as consulting to organizations in Canada and the U.S. on their workforce development needs. Day holds a B.A. from Connecticut College, a Master of Arts from Wesleyan University and has completed Coach U’s coach certification training.