Labor Day falls on September 3rd this year … that’s just eight weeks away from today. It’s when the unofficial end-of-summer arrives as many folks think of back-to-school, back-to-work, and back-to-job-search. If you’re in that last category, my advice to you is NOT to wait until September 4th to start a search in earnest. Take advantage of these eight weeks to get everything in line all while beginning to build momentum.
First step, of course, is assuring that your resume, cover letter, critical leadership addendum, and other search materials are polished, reflective of the added-value you provide, and ready to make a compelling statement.
Next is actually getting yourself out there, making contacts, renewing your network. You say, "everyone’s away on vacation," "no one is making decisions," "it’s a waste of time" … some of that *might* be right, but I guarantee that entire offices do not empty out for eight solid weeks. And if well-publicized stats around the sorry state of American vacations are to be believed, most managers aren’t taking anywhere near their allotted vacation time. Hence, you’re quite likely to actually make contact and catch most folks "in" somewhere over the course of the next eight weeks.
You’ll get a jump on the majority of job-seekers who do say ‘why bother’ when it comes to summer searching … you’ll already be in the appropriate queues to meet returning managers and peers … you’ll have a definite headstart on most everyone else. And, worst case, let’s say the committee that needs to meet with you and ultimately tender the offer can’t be convened till the middle of September, isn’t it better to be right there, already in the system?
– Jan Melnik, MRW, CCM, CPRW, President, Absolute Advantage
Be sure to visit http://careerhub.typepad.com/main/ for additional advice!