Are You Ready For The Post-Summer Job Market Spike?

If you’re looking to get hired, industry experts say fall is a promising time to land a job.  Indeed research shows that August and early September tend to have a spike in job hunting and hiring. 

Why?  With kids back in school, those looking for a new gig have more time to shift and focus on themselves. 

On the other hand, hiring managers are planning for the final quarter of the year and are looking for those who can close out strongly. 

Here’s how you can position yourself for success when searching for a new job.

Resume Refresh

Has it been years since you’ve looked at your resume? If so, now is the time to do a resume refresh.  Highlight new achievements, skills, or certifications you’ve gained. Along with resumes, be sure to update your online presence such as LinkedIn so that everything is aligned. 

Another tip…once you’ve updated your resume, save yourself the time-consuming work in the future.  Make sure to continue to update your resume as you gain new achievements and certifications. 

Audit Your Personal Brand

Have you ever googled yourself? You may laugh at that, but in all honesty, professionals say it’s a great idea. 

This will give you a glimpse of what future employers see when looking at your background. 

Reconnect With Your Network

You’ve accomplished so much and have met many people throughout your career.  Don’t discount any relationships you’ve made.  Reaching out to former colleagues, mentors, or college alumni with a simple hello, could lead to an unexpected job lead or referral.

Practice Interviewing

It’s time to brush up on your interview skills.  Consider mock interviews with family members or friends so that you’re prepared for the big day. 

This can also help develop storytelling and conversational skills.

Apply Strategically & Consistently

Applying for jobs can be exhausting and because of this, many apply for positions all at once.  A mass apply is not smart.  A targeted approach is more effective.  This allows you to customize your application for each role and focus on positions that match your skills and goals. Be sure to keep track of where you’re applying and the progress, so you’re not caught off guard when you get the call.

Stay Informed

The market is constantly changing and that means, so too are trends in the industry.  Be sure to stay updated on what’s happening in your field so that you speak intelligently in interviews.

So, as employers are eager to fill roles quickly before the holidays, it’s a great idea to seize the moment. 

With a refreshed resume, a clear vision, and proactive networking, you may just be able to land that job you’ve been eyeing.