Summer is rapidly approaching and your head may be full of visions of white, sandy beaches and chilled cocktails. But before you get too excited, how’s your job search going? If you’re unemployed, or just looking for a new position, the warmer days might tempt you to put your search on hold. But summer is actually a great time to go all in on your job hunt. You just have to know how to do it. 
Why Job Hunt in the Summer?
While it’s true that many people are taking vacations during the summer months, hiring managers can sometimes have more time to devote to finding new employees. Some firms experience a slowdown in the summer months and can focus on finding and training the right candidate. Contract-to-hire positions are typically more prevalent in the summer. And you can use those summer social occasions to network.
So How do you do it?
Here are a few tips on summer job searching:
- Make a schedule and stick to it:
Summer can be a hectic time for many people. If you have out-of-school kids at home or relatives visiting, it can be difficult to get things done. That’s why you should make a schedule ahead of time and stick to it. Create a to-do list and make sure everything is prioritized. Block out time periods devoted to your job hunting tasks and get them done—no excuses. That way, you can accomplish your goals and also enjoy your fun in the sun guilt-free.
- Focus on networking:
Summer is a great time for networking. All those summer social occasions—barbecues, golf outings, sporting events and block parties—present the perfect opportunity to chat about what you’re looking to do next in your career. You may just find a lead for your next job at a little league game—you never know.
- Volunteer:
The summer season presents lots of volunteer opportunities—day camps, charity fun runs and community cleanups, just to name a few. Volunteering also provides a valuable opportunity for networking, adding new skills to your repertoire and enhancing your resume.
- Use some vacation time:
If you’re currently employed, it may be worth it to use some of those vacation days to get a little further on your job search. Between work, family and other obligations, it can seem impossible to actually find the time. Don’t be afraid to take a day or two off work if you need some time for your job search—or if you just need some time for yourself!