4 Tips to Keep Your Summer Job Search from Becoming a Hot Mess

Who’s currently in the middle of a job search? Right now, in the middle of summer? Anyone?

If you happen to be searching for a new job this time of year, I’m sure you have a few words to say about it. And they are probably not nice.

I have been in your shoes.  At the time I had been laid-off and it seemed like “everyone in the world” was taking a vacation while I was stuck at home looking for my next opportunity.  Words that come to mind as I remember that time are: Hard. Lonely. Time. Vacation. Silence. Depressing.

And a hundred other words that all have similar meaning.

Here’s the deal: A job search is difficult no matter what time of year.  It’s lonely because it’s a solitary task; you and you alone are in charge of developing a job search plan and then acting on it.

Job seekers and hiring managers live in parallel dimensions where time moves differently.  For job-seekers, it moves slower than a glacier. For the hiring managers,’ time moves quickly as they are busy with work. It might be weeks between the company receiving our resume and actually making initial contact with us; then more time to schedule an interview; more time again for follow ups; and so on.

Job seekers have a sense of urgency when it comes to finding a new job that contradicts a perceived “lax” attitude by the hiring managers, which adds to our stress.

Throw summer in to the mix, our minds start playing games with us, and suddenly we believe there’s no hope of finding a job until fall, if ever.  We become a hot mess.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Here are 4 Tips to Keep Your Summer Job Search from Becoming a Hot Mess

Plan the work and work the plan.  In college we used to take butter pats in the cafeteria and fling them towards the ceiling to see if they would stick.  No strategy, just for fun.  You may think a similar approach is okay when looking for a new job; just take things one day at a time. Trust me when I say it’s not.  A job search is not easy. But what makes it difficult for many is the lack of a plan.  Develop a search plan with tactics to execute on a weekly basis to keep you on schedule. Don’t rely on the “butter pat” method.

Take advantage of summer hours. While your schedule hasn’t changed, many of your former colleagues and others in your network may have relaxed summer hours. Now is a great time to reconnect and network while they may be available for morning coffee, a lunch break or even meeting after work.  Don’t miss this opportunity to share your career goals with these valuable connections.

Go back to school. While things may be a bit slower, take time to learn something new or brush up on old skills. Sign up for an online course, read a book or enroll at a community college; attend a workshop or seminar. While you’re at it, update your resume and LinkedIn profile too.

Socialize. Face it; you’re going to get lonely while looking for a new job.  Be sure to get out and have some fun. Hit the gym, spend time on a hobby, or even volunteer. You’ll meet new friends and feel good about yourself or helping others at the same time.

Most importantly, don’t take a vacation from your job search! Hiring may slow down but it doesn’t stop. You want your name to be top-of-mind with hiring managers when they are ready to make their move.

All it takes is a little planning and a lot of patience.