Summer Time Job Searching

The temptations are there -- warm, lazy, casual days, when the shoes of choice are “flip flops.” Taking the summer off and getting back into the groove of things when the “kids go back to school” would be very easy. You think to yourself, “Nothing’s happening during the summer anyway – everybody goes on vacation during these months.”

Stop! This is not the time for giving in to those pleasures and giving up on your job search, at least not all the way. You are better off pacing yourself during the summer months, and not stopping your search altogether.

Currently, the numbers of jobs being added to the workforce are reported as a positive sign that things may be opening up on the job front. You don’t want to miss out on new opportunities or let someone else get that great job you’ve been waiting for – do you?

Here are six ways to get through your job search this summer and still enjoy some sun and fun – guilt free.

1. Get up earlier. The sun is up earlier and the early morning hours are much cooler than at high noon. Try leaving your blinds open or shades up and rise when the sun begins to stream through the window. Try to remember what it was like getting up for work on those cold, winter mornings. One bonus to early rising is that the house can be quieter. Hit the Internet before the rest of the family or household is even out of bed.

2. Set a schedule for yourself. Plan to work at your job search for a certain number of hours each day – 2, 4, or 6 hours. Stick to the schedule that you set for yourself. If you work on the schedule that has a beginning and an end, you can quit on time and still enjoy the rest of the day – guilt free.

3. Take advantage of new networking opportunities. Getting outside more often or going to new places will expose you to more people. Be sure to make contacts whenever and wherever possible. The best networking is done in the least expected places. You may be sitting at the community pool and connect with a neighbor you haven’t seen all winter. Suddenly you have a new contact.

4. Use discretion when networking. Remember, it’s summer for everyone. Don’t take away from the relaxation of the day by “talking-shop.” Be careful to use common sense and good manners when networking. You are never seeking a job – you are seeking information. Conversations can lead down new paths if you don’t force the issue.

5. Work in the cool of the evening. Some people work best in the evening. If you are one of these people, it is best for you to work when you are your most creative. Play during the day and set for yourself an evening schedule to work the Internet, to do research and to send e-mails. Contacting people by phone when working in the evening is difficult, however. You may have to work in some day hours to connect with people when necessary.

6. Forget your search and enjoy. When you decide to enjoy a summer picnic or an all-day outing, let go of your job search and enjoy the day. Permit yourself a vacation day from your “job” of job search. Give yourself permission to have some fun and not feel like you should be out there job-hunting. The idea is to feel guilt free and to have some summer fun.

Although job hunting is certainly a key goal for anyone who has been out of work, it is also a good idea to take time “to smell the ocean” once in a while. You will find yourself refreshed and more energized if you take time to enjoy family and friends. By giving yourself permission to take the day off, you can “play” without the guilty feelings that you “should be home working.” By setting some limits for yourself, you can work hard and still play. You might even surprise yourself by how productive you can be as a result. As the slogan goes, “You deserve a break today!”