By Diane Dunton
The leaves are beginning to change their colors. Crowds of beachgoers are thinning, boats are being pulled and the focus turns to preparations for the fall. School is back in session, sports activities begin and people shift their mindset from summer to fall schedules.
Here in New England, we have such a short summer season that many activities are focused on spending time with family and friends, whether it's hiking, camping, barbecuing or just getting outside. In some respects, with the exception of tourism professionals, many put their normal routines on pause; and not much hiring is going on.
Summer Job Search
For job seekers, summertime is not a time to pause one's search. You still need to continue to meet with people to find a job. With summer over, though, you may begin to find that people are able to make the time to meet with potential candidates now that vacations are slowing down and normal routines are resuming.
What does the change in season mean to you, the job seeker? You must gear up for the fall with a renewed strategy. It can be a difficult time, especially when it may seem that everyone else has a schedule to get back to and you're still searching. Now is the time to put a new plan together for the upcoming season. Companies and organizations are beginning to create budgets for the next year and upcoming projects, as well their hiring needs, may be back on the front burner.
Examine Your Contacts
As you begin to look at your plan, reflect on new and old contacts. Make a list of whom you can meet with for a second time and who you can reach out to for a first-time meeting. When meeting with people in your network, ask what opportunities they might be aware of in the coming months. Be sure to inquire if there are any projects or seasonal work anticipated in the fall.
Resume Enhancements
Look at your resume and ask yourself what new skills you can add to enhance your resume. There are so many great courses offered in the fall and taking a course can also help with feeling good about what you have to offer. Meeting new people in an environment where everyone is learning together is a great way to keep a positive attitude, which pays off in spades with your job search.
The seasons are changing. Begin your plan to move into the new season for your job search strategy. Make a list of contacts, find seasonal jobs or projects, volunteer and learn a new skill. These strategies can enhance your wellbeing and give you renewed energy for finding a new job.
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