Unemployed workers who take a vacation from job hunting are likely to miss out on opportunities

Unemployed workers who take a vacation from job hunting this summer are more likely to miss out on opportunities to land that next job says DBM, a global human capital management and transitions firm. While many job seekers incorrectly believe that employers slow down the hiring process during the summer months, DBM says that it is the perfect time to make headway in finding your next career position.



Many job seekers donít consider that the quieter summer months can be the perfect time to schedule a meeting with a busy hiring manager, says Bret Bero, president of DBM North America. According to DBMís research, hiring surges are generally seen during the spring and fall months. Because of this, potential candidates need to get into the interview queue during the summer if they want to realistically secure a job before the end of the year.

DBM believes that many job seekers also underestimate the length of time it will take to find a new position. The majority of DBMís North American consultants agree that it takes at least three-to-six months for a job seeker at the manager level or below to secure a new position. Individuals in senior level roles, such as directors, officers, and the ìC-suiteî, can expect to spend between nine-to-fourteen months searching for a new position.

DBM also estimates that the average length of time from first interview to acceptance of a job offer is between one-to-three months. During that time, the average job seeker will complete between four-to-eight interviews per position, including telephone interviews, before being offered a position.

Companies have become more thorough and cautious with their hiring processes in an attempt to find quality candidates for each position, says Bero. ìThe length of time it takes to fill a position has elongated as many organizations now require multi-stage interviews, job skills and psychological assessments, drug tests, and background checks before an offer is made.

To help job seekers make the most of the summer months, DBM offers the following tips to gain momentum and increase opportunity:

- Think Temp-to-Perm: Many organizations hire temporary employees during the summer months to deal with surges in business and less staff due to employee vacations. These temporary assignments can provide you with valuable job experience and possibly lead to full-time employment as regular operations begin once more in the fall.

- Network, Network, Network: Summer is a great time to network outside of traditional business situations in more relaxed social settings while still remaining focused on making business contacts.

- Show Off This Summer: Many managers are more willing to offer informal interviews during the summer, as a result of less demanding schedules. Make contact with the hiring managers for the positions you want. They will know you are serious about finding a job if you contact them during what some believe to be traditional job search down time. They will respect your tenacity.

- Take Personal Development Time: Take advantage of all opportunities to enhance skills and use resources to increase knowledge about companies you may be interested in pursuing.

- Thinking about Relocation - Take a Vacation: If you are thinking about relocating to a new town, plan a vacation to that destination. While you are there, set up informational interviews with potential employers.

- If You Decide to Go, Go Wireless: There is no excuse for being ìun-connectedî while traveling this summer. Take advantage of wireless networks at retail establishments, computers at Internet cafes, and web access at hotels and motels. Make time each day to check job boards, e-mail, and use other online job search tools even when on vacation.

- Always Be Ready To Make A Great Impression: You never know whom you might meet at a social summer venue. Be prepared with business cards featuring your name, e-mail address, and contact numbers. Have your resume updated and ready to forward when an opportunity arises.

Distributed by HR Marketer.com