To search or not to search for a job during the summer?
That’s a big question that many professionals ask themselves as thoughts turn to vacations, Disneyland trips (raises hand), and whether to look for something new.
It can be difficult to decide whether you want to begin (or continue) your job search during the summer or wait until the fall when hiring activity tends to pick up.
In this article, I break down whether summer is a good time to search for a job and how to approach it in a way that works for your unique situation.
Is Summer A Good Time To Job Search?
Truthfully, summer isn’t always an ideal time to look for a new job. Historically, June and July tend to be some of the slowest months for hiring.
That said, hiring doesn’t come to a standstill, so if you’re actively looking, don’t write off summer completely. This is especially true if you’re targeting a management or executive-level role, as many companies want to have their senior leadership teams in place before the busy holiday season or the kickoff of Q1.
In other words, while summer may not be peak hiring season for many companies, it can still be a great time to make meaningful progress on your job search.
Do Tech Companies Hire In Summer?
Yes, tech companies still hire in summer, though activity tends to be slightly slower compared to other times of the year.
According to CompTIA’s Tech Jobs Report, hiring in the tech sector has remained relatively flat during the summer months (June through August) over the past several years. Still, opportunities are available, and hiring doesn’t stop altogether.
5 Summer Job Search Tips: Find A Job Quicker
If you do decide to look for a new opportunity during the summer, here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind:
1. Start your search early.
A lot of people pause their job searches in the summer, assuming it’s a slow season for hiring and not worth the effort, but that mindset can actually put you at a disadvantage.
While it’s totally valid to take a break if that’s what you need, keep in mind that waiting until August or September means entering the market at the same time as a big wave of other job seekers who had the same idea. Starting now puts you ahead of the curve and gives you room to move at a more thoughtful, less stressful pace.
As a career coach, I often hear from professionals who are in a panic come fall. That’s why I typically suggest getting a head start in summer. You’ll have more time to thoughtfully update your resume and LinkedIn profile, reconnect with and expand your network, and explore opportunities without feeling the pressure of needing something “yesterday.”
And if you’re looking for an executive role, it’s even more important to begin early! Senior positions tend to have longer, more complex hiring processes, so the sooner you begin, the more quickly you’ll land your next opportunity.
2. Take advantage of in-person networking.
Summer can be a hidden gem for networking. There are more in-person events, meetups, and casual gatherings than during the rest of the year, so really try to take advantage of them!
If you’re a parent, for instance, you might naturally find yourself chatting with other adults at your kid’s summer camp pickups or weekend soccer games. These casual settings are perfect for striking up conversations that can lead to valuable connections. Just don’t hard pitch yourself!
And don’t overlook local festivals, outdoor concerts, or volunteer opportunities, either. You don’t need to bring business cards, just be ready to connect, and if it feels appropriate, share your LinkedIn profile.
In fact, one of my clients spent the summer months reaching out to people in her synagogue’s phone directory. Until we discussed the idea, she’d forgotten she had hundreds of warm leads right at her fingertips!
The key is to be intentional and proactive with your networking and, most importantly, ask for what you want. You can’t expect people to support you if they don’t know what you need.
[Read: How To Access The “Hidden Job Market” In Tech (With Examples)]
3. Use the summer to “plant seeds.”
Speaking of networking, summer can be a great opportunity to start “planting seeds” with people at your target companies.
What do I mean by this? Begin reaching out to recruiters and employees at dream companies. Even if you’re not able to get on their calendar right away, you’ve still made initial contact, which is the important part.
Later on, when new roles open up, you’ll already have an existing connection to build on. It’s much easier to follow up than to introduce yourself from scratch!
4. Keep at it, even if you don’t hear back.
It’s very normal for your job search to move more slowly in the summer. Hiring managers and recruiters take vacations, which means response times can really drag.
Although it might feel like it, you’re not being ignored.
Please don’t give up. If it’s been a week or two since you last followed up, don’t be afraid to ask a recruiter for an update on your application. Keep in mind that they’re often juggling dozens of requisitions, so you’re not bothering them if you (respectfully) check in on the status of your application.
5. Take time to update your interview talking points.
Because it can take longer to hear back about opportunities during the summer, this is the perfect time to prepare for interviews.
Ensure your elevator pitch is polished, your STAR(T) stories are refined, and you feel ready to speak to your career accomplishments should you be called into an interview.
You don’t want to be caught off guard should you land one.
Final Thoughts On Summer Job Searching
At the end of the day, it’s completely up to you whether you pause your job search for the summer or keep going. My hope is that this article gave you some helpful tips and encouragement if you do decide to keep moving forward over the next few months.
On a final note, if you’d like the support of a job search expert as you find your next role, please feel free to schedule a consultation. I’m here for you! You’ve got this!
