Europe is experiencing one of the hottest summers on record. July 18th was the hottest day recorded in France in almost 20 years and London experienced a sweltering 40 degrees for the first time ever in July. Countries like Switzerland and Sweden also broke their previous records.
When the weather is this hot, it’s hard to focus on anything work-related. Emails seem just a little bit unimportant when your friends are going on a beach trip. Meetings are a nuisance when you want to sunbathe in the back garden in peace.
However, if you’re currently searching for your next role then you shouldn’t ignore your job hunt. After all, the summer is one of the best times to secure a new gig. Hiring managers usually have more time on their hands before they enter the autumn rush (so they will actually take the time to read your application), there are lots of networking opportunities, and it will be easier to take some annual leave so you can attend interviews.
But how do you balance having a fun, relaxing summer, with finding a great new career? Well, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at the tips below.
1. Get organized
The first thing you need to do is get organized. One of the easiest ways to do this is to keep everything related to your job search in one cloud-based folder, so you can access it anywhere, from any device. Make sure to add samples of your previous work, your references, cover letter samples, and different CV templates. You should also check any online profiles you have and make sure they’re accurate and up-to-date.
It can also be helpful to set up a spreadsheet to track the jobs you’ve applied to, and the stage your application is at. It might seem like a company hasn’t returned your email in a long time but in reality, it could just be a few working days. Now, the next time you want to apply for a role, everything will be right at your fingertips.
2. Schedule your search
Sure, summer is all about having fun, but you also need some time to rest, recuperate and spend time with your loved ones. If you’re serious about your search, set time aside every week to apply for jobs or prepare for interviews and stick to it. For example, Tuesday mornings from 6am-8am could be your allocated time. Using an app like One Big Thing is helpful as it’s designed to aid you in getting one thing done each day. You could do a new job application or some follow-ups, for example.
If you’re scrolling through the House of Talent Job Board while sailing off the Almalfi coast or applying for roles while at a waterpark with your kids, something has gone wrong. Remember, you need to enjoy your downtime too.
3. Explore your network
The summer is a great time to socialize. However, lots of professionals make the mistake of thinking that the only way to network is at work-related events like conferences or seminars. In reality, you’re just as likely to meet your future boss within your own extended networks.
During the summer months, make an active decision to strike up more conversations with the people that you meet — at a friend’s BBQ or on a plane. Take an interest in their lives and you never know what could happen.
4. Celebrate every win
If you want to make your job search more enjoyable, don’t forget to celebrate all your little wins. Did you update your CV? Great! Now, treat yourself to an iced coffee. Did you get asked to attend an interview? Amazing! It sounds like you need a morning walk in the sun to celebrate.
Building small, attainable rewards into your job search routine is a great way to make it more fun. It will also help you to stay motivated for longer.
5. Remember the basics
Job hunting can be taxing on both your mental and physical health. To avoid strain, you need to make sure you look after yourself. In this heat, don’t forget the basics: eat plenty of fresh, unprocessed foods, get a good night’s sleep, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Try to spend a little bit of time everyday away from your screen too. Even if it’s just for an hour before bed. It makes a difference.
6. Don’t sweat the small stuff
During your job search, things will go wrong. Recruiters will ghost you, hiring managers will offer the role to someone else, and salaries will not meet your expectations. We know it’s easy to get frustrated with these setbacks, especially if you’ve been searching for a new role for quite some time.
If you want to get through your summer search in one piece, you can’t sweat the small stuff. When things start to get irritating or overwhelming, take a break and give yourself some time before starting again. And remember, your dream job is out there.
Now all you have to do is start applying. You can find lots of amazing roles on the House of Talent Job Board