The summer months, just like the holidays, are some of the best times to job search. However, it’s easy to get bitten by the summer bug and have your search fall by the wayside.
Here are some signs of summer laziness and the things you can do to get your momentum going again.
Time Management
You need to have a plan so you can stick to your schedule. If you’re not working you should spend 35 hours a week on your search. If you are working, put in a minimum of 15 hours a week or your search will never gain momentum.
Get the Most Out of Your Contacts
If you’re having trouble building a good network, getting your network to work for you, or maximizing networking events, you need to remember to follow up.
Targets
A third area of concern during the summer slouch is the issue of targets. Do you find yourself asking: “How do I handle the disconnect between current job opportunities and my outdated skills?” or “How do I generate more activity?”
The 5-Step Method speaks in terms of “phases” and “stages.” When you meet with people in your industry, let them guide you in terms of what is realistic or not. Combine their insights with your own research so you can make the right choices for you.
To keep you out of the summer doldrums, here are a few additional steps you can take:
- Strive to have six to 10 opportunities in the works (e.g., two networking meetings; two job interviews; two follow-up interviews).
- If your momentum begins to slow down, reconnect with some of your earlier contacts.
- Go back and review the Seven Stories Exercise and the Forty-Year Vision to see if you are moving in the right direction.
- Use every opportunity to become better at your search because it will result in a new job.|
- Don’t let the dog days of summer take you away from your mission! Identify some of the signs discussed above and follow the steps to renew the momentum in your search.
