Summer Job-Search Strategies - written by Deborah Walker

Does warm weather temp you away from pursuing your next job? Would you rather play with your kids than sit behind your computer applying to job postings? If so, you're in good company. Most find summer the most difficult time of the year to maintain job-search momentum. Another job-search slow down happens when the interview process is interrupted while employers juggle multiple vacation schedules.These interruptions become an easy excuse to put a job search on hold until September.

Here are three tips to keep your job search moving forward.

1. Stay on track.

Keep a schedule of weekly job-search activities that include networking for leads. Summer is a great time for increased social activities, which can quite naturally lead to discussions about your search. Additionally, tap into your on line social network to find people who know people within your targeted companies who may be able to introduce you to hiring managers. Anyone you meet is a potential networking lead that may know of a position not yet announced.

Don't let your project "to-do" list take precedence over your job search activities. Yes, summer is a great time to build a deck, paint a kitchen or landscape your yard, but don't allow your projects to keep you from moving forward toward a new job. Take care of your job-search goals first, then use all those extra day-light hours to fix up your nest.

2.Don't get impatient.

It's easy to let job-search activities slide when interviews get delayed, rescheduled or canceled. Just know ahead of time that interview stalls will happen. Use your extra time to research targeted companies in greater depth. The insider information you pick up may give you the extra "leg up" in the interview to win out your competition. Remember, even though the hiring process seems slower during summer companies still interview and make offers June through August.

3. Keep your interview skills sharp.

The normal tendency in summer is to neglect critical interviewing skills. The idea is "once interviews start back up I'll pull out that book and get ready." Bad idea. Don't get caught off guard. Begin NOW to perfect your interview skills. Be sure you are able to:

* State your strengths and weaknesses

* Give reasons for short job durations

* Sell your transferable skills

* Give examples of your accomplishments

Remember, these are just the minimum issues you should be able to handle in an interview. Every job seeker has their own list of questions they hope they don't get asked. Work out great answers the the interview questions that are difficult for you.

Following these tips will help you maintain your job search momentum during the busy Summer months. Remember, work on your job search, then work on your tan. Build your interview skills then build the deck. You'll be way ahead of the September crowd and months ahead in landing your next job.