“If you slack off on your job search this summer, you are going to miss a lot of opportunities,” said Anthony Kaul, CEO of Higher Bracket, a Vancouver-based executive job board, in a recent article in Globe Investor by Wallace Immen.
An estimated half of job seekers mistakenly think they can drop out of active search over the summer because hiring decision makers typically slow down in July and August, too.
That may have been true in the past, but not this year.
Although traditionally fewer executive job postings crop up in the summer, this year Kaul sees an increase in $100K+ jobs. Signs point to an uptick in hiring, which should unfold in September and October. Decision makers will hire based on interviews they do in the coming weeks.
Occupations with the highest number of executive postings, according to Higher Bracket, include sales, accounting and finance, general management and engineering.
Certainly, with so many layoffs in the past months, there’s a glut of top talent competing for fewer plum jobs. But with staff on vacation and lighter schedules, hiring decision makers probably have more time right now to hear your pitch.
Now is the time to get your foot in the door, while others are out catching waves and trying to forget about job search.
Now is also the time to do some more relaxed networking – playing golf, informal lunches on the patio, etc. People have more time right now to accept such invitations.
One job seeker is confident his proactive approach this summer will pay off:
People aren’t going out on a limb and saying this recession is over, but there is more optimism than there has been. They are thinking about making hiring decisions, and I hope to be in position when it’s finally time to make the decision in the fall.
There is a lot of competition and, if you stop now, you are really taking yourself out of the race.
Immen offered several strategies to fight the urge to hit the hammock this summer:
Stay focused
Avoid goofing off by setting daily agendas, reviewing goals, and moving forward each day.
Use the season
Networking and entertaining go hand in hand. Throw a casual daytime party or golf outing to strengthen connections with influential contacts. Make those calls to employers, recruiters and other hiring decision makers. You’ll be surprised by how many are “in the office” and available this summer.
Target decision-makers
The most senior people will probably have time to connect with you in the summer. Try for those who have final hiring approval.
Be bold
Even though some of your competitors are laying back now, more people are in the market than usual. To edge them out, be brassy. But don’t stretch the truth. Sell yourself for all you are worth.
Be too good to pass up
Be ready to talk about the contributions you’ve made that no one else has, and just how you accomplished them. Show them how you’ll do the same for them. Focus on value and skills to help employers in this recovery.
Show enthusiasm
Companies are looking for energetic people who can motivate and inspire others with their enthusiasm. Make it clear that you’re excited about the opportunity to contribute to the organization.
Reward yourself
Once you’ve met your agenda each day, take the rest of the day off and take time to recharge. Give yourself permission to take weekends off.
Related posts:
6 Essential Strategies To Land Your Next Great C-Level Executive Job
How to Target and Network into Hidden C-Level Executive Jobs
