Sure, you should take time to relax and go on vacation—just don't abandon your job search goals completely. Here are four ways to keep your job search on track, while still enjoying your summer.
1. Update Your Resume & LinkedIn Profile
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Summer is the perfect time to refresh your personal brand. A new season is a time for renewal, so it's important to make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are optimized and up to date with recent projects, measurable contributions, and career achievements. Summer is a great time for reflecting on the work you have done over recent months and leveraging those accomplishments to create a results-driven resume, keyword-rich resume and LinkedIn profile.
While your resume takes precedence, you should still give your LinkedIn profile a good look because it's public and is viewable by a larger geographic population. Recruiters often search LinkedIn during slower seasons, so do not underestimate the power of LinkedIn in your job search.
2. Attend Professional Networking Events
BigstockSummer is a great time to be more social. Attend professional events, go to business happy hours, and ramp up your networking opportunities. Connect with old colleagues over lunch outdoors in casual attire, and seek out the potential for informational interviews at companies. Since things are more casual and laid back in the summertime, ramp up the opportunities and seize them.
If you can't attend any in-person networking events, there are still ample opportunities to network virtually on platforms like LinkedIn, Meetup, and Eventbrite.
3. Refocus Your Strategy By Volunteering
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The beautiful summer weather is great motivation for engaging in new volunteer and community service opportunities. Consider the potential for making new connections and adding relevant volunteer experiences to your resume and LinkedIn profile that you are already updating during the summertime.
Volunteering can also help you build transferable skills, boost your confidence, and show initiative—all qualities that employers value.
Remember, summer days are longer. Use your time wisely, and to your benefit!
4. Re-Evaluate Your Career Goals And Reach Out
Spend the summer re-evaluating your current role. What skills are you developing in your current role? What skills do you want to build upon? Set aside time to audit your strengths, identify gaps, and clarify your next career move. Then, consider reaching out to recruiters or your professional network, people who can help bring your next role to fruition. LinkedIn is a great resource for connecting with recruiters and seeing if new projects or opportunities are available to expand your skills.
Being proactive can open unexpected doors, so don't be afraid to send direct messages and connection requests!
Don't let the summer weather be a distraction or setback for you. Focus on reclaiming your brand, take a break or a vacation, and regroup on where you would like to go next in your career. Remember one important thing: the year is already halfway over, so now is the time to set new goals, stay visible, and make every interaction count. Summer can be both relaxing and productive when you plan with intention.
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