WHY SUMMER IS LOWKEY THE BEST TIME TO JOB HUNT
Come June, the siren song of rooftop rosé and beachside reads can be pretty tempting. While the collective mindset might be "out of office" mode, let's not fall for the myth that your job search needs to pause because of it. In fact, you may be surprised to hear that summer might just be the best time to land your next gig.
Sure, things definitely move slower in the summer. Your potential future boss could be leaning into Summer Fridays instead of firing off emails. But guess what? Because so many people assume summer is a bad time to job hunt, it’s likely you're up against way less competition–meaning you can still be finessing your resume and making a splash in the (considerably smaller) applicant pool.
Think of it like this: snagging a prime spot on the beach is easy breezy in September, but come July 4th weekend? Forget about it. The job market is no different. You might even find that the hiring process feels less rushed and more relaxed in the summer. By keeping your job search active during the world’s vacation season, you can get ahead of the crowd. When others are just starting to send out resumes in the fall, you’ll already have a foot in the door, and possibly even a few interviews lined up.
However, just because you are on top of your application game doesn’t mean that the companies you’re after are equally motivated. If a company is taking the time to interview and hire during the summer, they definitely mean business…but expect delays. Interview processes simply tend to take longer during the summer. Decision-makers could be out of office, and scheduling often becomes a game of “when are you available?” Don’t let it deter you! This is your chance to shine as a motivated and committed candidate, not just another applicant in the post-Labor Day rush.
Of course, there may be fewer networking events in the summer, but the ones that do happen? They're golden opportunities. You'll have a captive audience of professionals who aren't juggling five other events that night. So go ahead, work your magic, and do your best to make a lasting impression.
Also, keep in mind that many companies end their fiscal year in the summer, which means new budgets come into play. This could translate into new hiring opportunities as departments look to spend their newly allocated funds, so keep your eyes open and your resume ready.
Summer networking is all about those easy, breezy conversations that can lead to genuine connections. Think rooftop happy hours and casual coffee meetups. There’s less pressure, which opens the door for more potential.
So, while halting your job search in the summer might seem tempting, remember it’s not the strategic move you think it is. Embrace the slower pace, capitalize on reduced competition, and use this time to get ahead of the September rush!
For Employers:
It’s also advantageous to make hiring moves during the summer. While many businesses slow down their recruitment efforts during this time, those who remain active gain a distinct advantage. With a reduced pool of competing employers, companies can attract highly motivated candidates who are actively seeking new opportunities. Monday’s Talent Director, Jared Floyd, says this is the best time to hire top talent:
“Summertime hires tend to be more passive candidates who aren't actively seeking new roles. In contrast, fall and the start of Q4 often bring layoffs and organizational changes, resulting in a pool of more anxious job seekers. Therefore, summer provides a more relaxed and opportune time to bring on new talent."
Also, summer usually coincides with fiscal year-end transitions, which bring fresh budgets that create an influx of open positions. Plus, the summer months can be a period of reflection for employees, making it a prime time to engage with experienced candidates seeking a change.
