Summer can be one of the best times to search for jobs – there is not as much competition and the overall feeling of the season is more laid-back than spring. So why not take charge of your job search this summer? Here are some ways to get started:
- Hire a career coach. Although many people believe they can’t afford career coaching, it could be a better investment than being without a job for several months — or longer. A career coach can help you re-evaluate your search from a new perspective. They can also give you pointers on your resume, cover letter and interviewing skills.
- Take your skills and qualifications up a notch. While you’re job searching, fill your extra time with sharpening up your skills or creating new portfolio items. Learn more about your field by reading books, e-books, perusing tutorials or taking a class. You will not only learn valuable skills, but also add to your resume and be able to boast about your efforts when it comes time for an interview.
- Volunteer for an organization or nonprofit. Spending time at an organization can be another way to update your skills. You’ll build your network at the same time. The people you meet while volunteering can be pivotal to your job search success. Either way, you’ll be able feel accomplished and proud for your efforts at an organization that could use the help.
- Get in touch with acquaintances and former co-workers. Connect with people in your network with whom you haven’t talked in a while. If you reach out to someone new each week, you are much more likely to hear of jobs openings that aren’t yet posted. There are so many ways to keep in touch with these people, including posting on social networks, sending an e-mail, asking him/her to lunch or an event, connecting on LinkedIn or asking for a recommendation, etc.
- Evaluate your online presence. While you’re spending a few hours each day looking up job openings, type your own name into the search box. Is there anything negative that pops up? Work toward minimizing that item. Do you need to make your presence known? Create your own website or portfolio site.
- Spruce up your job search documents. If you are a recent graduate, some campus career services offer free advice and critiques of your resume and cover letter. Otherwise, ask a friend or family member to look over your stuff. You’d be surprised at the little things others can catch that you may have not noticed.
- Prepare, prepare, prepare. When you actually do land an interview, do your research! Know about the company and the hiring manager. Be ready to answer questions confidently and professionally. Have someone do a mock interview, if it helps.
- Spend more time giving than receiving. Sometimes one of the best ways to get help is to help someone else. Ask your network how you can be of assistance to them and someone will likely return the favor.
- Stay positive. No matter how frustrating the job search might get, no one wants to hire a negative person. As long as you keep a positive outlook and keep plugging away, you’re more likely to be offered a position.
This post is part of the Career Collective effort founded by Miriam Salpeter and Jacqui Barrett-Poindexter. Other contributions this month include:
- Turn Off The Computer, Tune Into What’s Happening, & Heat Up the Job Search, @chandlee
- Heating up the Job Search-How to Stay Motivated During the Summer, @erinkennedycprw
- Light the Fire Under Your Feet, @careersherpa
- Cool Job Seekers Heat Up Their Search in the Summer, @barbarasafani
- Some assembly required, @DawnBugni
- Summertime, Sluggish Economy Provide Strong Motivation for an Updated Resume, @KatCareerGal
- Getting Out From Under Chronic, @WorkWithIllness
- Upping Your Job Search Flame; Be ‘Needed, Not Needy,‘ @ValueIntoWords
- Is Your Career Trapped in the Matrix? @WalterAkana
- Put some sizzle in your job hunt – how to find a job now, @keppie_careers
- Summertime – and the Job Search Ain’t Easy, @KCCareerCoach
- Heating up your job search. 5 ways to dismiss those winter blues, @GayleHoward
- Hot Tips for a Summer Job Search, @MartinBuckland @EliteResumes
- Heat Up Your Job Search: Avoid Job Boards, @JobHuntOrg
