Job hunting over the summer, is it worth applying?

Photographs: Pexels

Text: Leslea Petersen

My answer is yes, even if the summer break is in full swing. Workers generally take three weeks' holiday – including the bosses – and this Danish work-life balance really is the gift that keeps giving. A three-week summer break is refreshing, and it was a real surprise to me that anyone would be away from the office for that long.

What does this mean for a job seeker? You might think there is no point in applying for jobs if the decision makers are all on holiday, right? Nope, still plenty to do, but manage your expectations.

A few challenges to work with, so as not to be disappointed

Be prepared for slow response times. As July is peak holiday time in Denmark, many hiring managers and recruiters will be away, leaving only a skeleton staff in place. Unless it's a small organisation, there will still be an HR presence, and they will be working to set up interviews for the post-holiday season, so it's still a great time to prepare your application.

Additionally, you may have noticed that there are fewer job postings, and they will resume building again in August, reaching their peak in September. Now that you know what to expect, here are my suggestions to help you stay focused throughout the summer season and make the most of this time.

Target organisations via unsolicited

Take the time to research organisations that accept unsolicited applications. What can your skills and experience add to the organisation? Is there a gap that fits your profile? What if the person doing the job you want decides over the summer to leave? The recruiter already has your application on file, making the replacement process easier. Recruitment is expensive, so it could be a win-win if you provide an application that has been well-researched and shows initiative, plus is a perfect match before the official hiring process would normally start.

Would your CV win the coffee table challenge?

I see many boring black and white CVs daily, and with a bit of colour and a new layout, your CV could have a real makeover. Your CV needs to stand out for the right reasons – would yours if laid out on a table with others? Essential to have a smiley photo and interesting profile section, and with around 7 seconds to assess your application, would a hiring manager want to read further? 99% of recruiters always read the CV first, so take the time now to assess what type of CV worked and what didn’t. And who doesn’t need a makeover now and then? That includes your CV, not only to motivate you but also to be ready for the new season. Job seeking can be exhausting, so asking someone to have a read through of yours to gain feedback could be a huge bonus!

Some industries stay active over the summer

Depending on the type of role, the summer can be an excellent period for hiring in the hospitality sector. You might want to try signing up for a summer-only job that helps bring in income and gives you a chance to breathe before you start applying back in your field. Try researching cruise ships, amusement parks like Tivoli, and look out for several festivals this season, as opportunities may arise. It might not be your usual job, but a chance to network, meet people and have a chance to literally enjoy the music might be the impetus you need.

Who are you connected with on LinkedIn?

Consider refreshing your profile and reviewing your connections. Is it time to delete the ones that don’t help and add people in your network that might be able to give you an introduction? The more first connections you have, the more access you have to their second and third ones. Visibility is something I discuss on every occasion, as it’s so important in the job hunt. So, who do you have in your corner helping you?

Take a few weeks off

It's tiring looking for work, and it's fine to have a summer break without the guilt. Yes, you can carry on with the job hunt if you want, but take time away from your job applications for the afternoons at least, to enjoy the sunshine, and on the rare occasion it comes out! You are allowed to step away from your laptop.

Don’t forget that companies are still advertising over this season and want to fill those empty positions quickly. So, get your application in early and then after the deadline, reach out to the recruiter and ask how the interview process is going. After a short holiday and renewed focus, there will be a positivity in your applications that will shine through.