Make the Most of Your Summer Job Vacation After Layoff

As an executive coach, I’m hearing that many companies have put job requisitions on hold or canceled them altogether while assessing the economy, their financial status, market projections, and hiring needs.  So, as my clients continue to search for jobs, there are simply too many people chasing too few available positions at this time.  Unfortunately, this trend is expected to continue well into the fall and possibly into winter, when companies historically resume their hiring activities.

So what can you do for the summer, besides vacations, spending time with family, doing chores or taking care of long ignored self-care, family, or home activities?  For starters, your job search or transition activities should continue; don’t slow down just because the job market is slow.  Get ahead of the curve.  It’s important to stay focused on your goal. If you’re looking for a new job, you should include the following:

• Develop your objectives and personal brand

  • What type of job / career are you looking for?

  • How do you want to differentiate yourself from the competition? 

• Grow your skill set / Retool 

  • Identify skills you may be lacking and take "training" courses (these can be online and often free)

  • Obtain new certifications (Project Management, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, Software, Agile, etc.).  A new certification or "badge" will enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile

  • For every new achievement like a badge or certification, post your  accomplishment on LinkedIn 

• Reignite your passion 

  • Take time for hobbies / self-care, etc.  This may include photography, painting, dance, or anything else you love to do

  • Read - fiction, non-fiction, self-help, or whatever inspires you (give your eyeballs a break from the computer screen.  Audiobooks also give you an opportunity to "read" while walking or driving)

  • Passion projects - find time for those long delayed home improvement or self-improvement activities you put off while working too many hours

  • Prioritize fitness - learn a new activity or sport like pickle ball, yoga, pilates OR take leisurely nature walks.  Whatever inspires you (and keeps you healthy), fit it into your schedule 

• Update and polish your resume

• Improve your LinkedIn profile

  • Highlight your skills in your profile

  • Share valuable posts and knowledge articles 

  • Reach out to your connections to let them know you are in the market 

• Grow your network (More than 80% of jobs are found through networking)

• Manage and track your leads, conversations, and interviews 

• Research and identify your target markets and companies

• Prepare for and practice interviewing 

  • Document your key accomplishments using the STAR method (Situation, Tasks, Actions, Results)

  • Do mock interviews (there are numerous online tools for this; yoodli is one tool that offers some free coaching and opportunities to practice interviewing.  It is primarily a communications improvement AI tool)

• Determine your preferred / expected salary range (understand your value - your industry and the market).  Be realistic; in the current competitive landscape, you may need to be flexible in your requirements.  Still, don't sell yourself short.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help!  Many of us have been there.

Even during the summer, your job is to find your next job (or your next "gig").  It takes diligence, persistence, patience, and discipline.  Do not get discouraged.  The process of looking for a job may seem tedious, and may be out of your comfort zone, but it will be worth it when you land that brand new job or gig.