Even though it’s summer, you can still have forward momentum in pursuing your job search. A proactive job search means investing several hours per week. With proper planning and execution, you can have a jump start on fellow job hunters that have taken the summer off.
There are several things you can do to promote your job search activity and prepare you to energetically pursue your search.
- Have a set time to work on your job search – Sticking to a schedule will help you prepare and continue looking. Do not let yourself find excuses to do other things during this time.
- Pull together everything that you need for an interview – Resumes, cover letters, interview questions, etc. Having everything compiled in one place will allow you to quickly be ready for the interview calls.
- Prepare a target list of potential employers/industries – Make your “wish” list then research those companies. Look at industry information, web sites, and LinkedIn profiles.
- Assess your skills and desires – If you have been in the job market a while, make sure that your goals are the same. Update your skills as needed and adjust your changing desires. Clarify your “ideal” job so that you will focus on the right direction in your search.
- Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date – Make changes as needed and visit your site to see who has been there. Respond as necessary to comments. Don’t ignore your LinkedIn site once it has been established. Visit others that are on LinkedIn and comment. Remember, this is all part of expanding your network.
- Keep networking – Summer offers a more relaxed atmosphere for networking. Take advantage of it.
- Plan a break – Don’t let yourself get burned out. Take some planned time off from your job search. You will return to your search feeling rested and ready to focus on future opportunities.
You don’t have to give up your summer vacation to pursue your job search. Just plan your summer and your job search so that they coordinate and complement each other.
