Gearing Up for Post-Summer Hiring

With the good news about the decline in unemployment numbers and the end of summer (i.e., vacations, skeletal schedules, and hiring slow downs), it brings about some exciting prospects for the job search this Fall. This means that for job searchers, you need to prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that may come up starting in a few short weeks.

For seniors and recent colleges graduates, you should be in regular contact with your career center. The staff should become your new best friends. You should:
1) take advantage of special programs geared to seniors and recent grads;
2) see what opportunities are available through On-Campus Recruiting;
3) connect with a counselor to make sure all application materials have been reviewed and are ready to go.

For all job hunters, reach out to your networking contacts, see how their summers were and let them know what you have been doing and what your plans are for the Fall.

Make sure that there are things going on in your life besides the job search (e.g., volunteering). If there isn't, begin to get involved! Check out http://www.idealist.org or American Red Cross. If you want to offer your professional services to non-profit organization, get involved with the Taproot Foundation. You need to have a few years of experience, but it will allow to contribute, develop your skills and meet new professionals. It's also important to volunteer even when you have your new position. Giving back is crucial to creating the kind of world we want to live in.

Also, start to attend networking functions which will be picking up again that are related to your professional interests and organizations. Look out for Fall Job Fairs. It also might be a great time to get started on letter of interest campaign. Think about what new strategies you want to apply this Fall and get to it.

Take advantage of the summer reinvigoration and make the most of your Fall. If you don't feel that reinvigoration yet, then take the next few weeks to recharge so that you show a new positive, fresh energy this Fall.