There’s a buzz in the air. Can you feel it? The promise of cooler weather, glorious rain… It’s the end of summer closing in.
If you’re one of the many job seekers who thinks of summertime as naptime, I suggest a swift awakening from those lazy days. These next few weeks provide a unique opportunity to get yourself noticed by potential employers. Don’t wait! Here are a few tips to help you make the most of late summer job searching:
Strategically manage your time.
Job seeking may be stressful in the upcoming season, with competition, economic factors, and busy fall schedules. Leave other job hunters in the dust by performing job-related tasks in a deliberate, organized manner.
Figure out how much time you need each day, set it aside, and use it wisely. If you plan on grinding away at your job search for an hour every morning, don’t let anything distract you during that time. And don’t allow it to take over the rest of your day, either. Find a schedule that works, and stick to it.
Make smart, fearless choices.
Job hunting involves tons of decisions. You must consider the pros and cons of every opportunity, including company reputation, salary, commute, and responsibilities. Of course, before you get to that point, you’ll have to make choices about your job targets, résumé and cover letter, and how you’d like to present yourself in your interviews.
The last few weeks of summer are ideal for examining—and reimagining—the details of your job search. Do you need to redefine your goals? Target a different kind of company?Hire a résumé writer? Connect with your references? These decisions can alter your career direction, improve your presentation, and catapult your success.
Take a break, and then dive in.
If you feel gloomy about your job search or career, take a day off. Head to the beach. Drive to the country to rediscover tall trees and mountain views. Visit a local farmer’s market for freshly plucked berries. Eat a bucket of popcorn at the movies.
When you’re ready, ask yourself what you’d like to change about your career. Once you have your answer, prioritize your tasks, be decisive, and get back in the game.
