The Benefits of Looking for a Job in the Summer

By Sherry Bruck, WPCCN Operator

When summer rolls around, people naturally shift into vacation mode—long weekends, beach trips, and more opportunities for picnics and outdoor concerts because of extended daylight. And while that kick back feeling is to be expected, it can also create a golden opportunity for job seekers. While others take their foot off the gas, staying active in your job search during the summer months can give you a competitive edge. Here’s why summer could be the best season to launch—or relaunch—your career search.

1. Less Competition, More Visibility: Let’s start with one of the most immediate advantages—fewer applicants. Many job seekers assume hiring slows down during the summer, so they postpone applying until September. That mindset leaves fewer candidates in the pool and more room for you to stand out. Recruiters and hiring managers still have open roles to fill, but with fewer resumes pouring in, yours has a better chance of catching their attention, which can lead to a better shot at getting an interview.
   
   Tracey Anderson, WPCCN Employment Counselor said: “While many people adopt a more relaxed mindset in the summer, it’s important to maintain momentum. When you take a break from your job search, you lose your rhythm and routine. Once that routine is broken, it takes extra effort to get revved back up again. That’s why I always say, ‘if you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.”
   
   
2. Some sectors get busier in the summer: Contrary to popular belief many organizations, like the education sector, are working with more urgency to fill open roles in the summer. Jobs become available due to unexpectedly turnover, and job seekers who aren’t taking the summer off from their job search can benefit from an accelerated timeline. In fact, the hiring process may even be more efficient due to lighter meeting schedules and quieter offices. Decision-makers will be inclined to quickly interview, evaluate, and hire.
   
   Joe Diaferia, WPCCN Employment Counselor added, “In the education sector, summer is actually a peak time for hiring. With the academic year on pause, schools use this window to prepare for the upcoming year. It’s a key time for hiring not just instructional staff moving between districts, but also for filling administrative roles in admissions and advising.”
   
   
3. Expect Some Delays—But Stay the Course: While hiring doesn’t stop, summer schedules can cause delays. Key decision-makers might be on vacation, so even if the process slows, don’t mistake that for a lack of interest. Continue following up, sending thank-you notes, and checking in at appropriate intervals. Understand it might take a little longer than usual to hear back—and that’s okay. Being proactive while practicing patience can help you stay top of mind when they’re ready to move forward.
   
   Leslie Meggett, WWPCCN Program Administrator Employment & Training said, “What I do see during the summer are recruiters taking a bit longer to schedule interviews and onboarding due to their vacation time, so job seekers should be careful to not give up or get impatient. Don’t assume you are being ignored. Maintain a respectful tone in follow up emails and keep on applying to other opportunities. The jobs are out there, and the time and effort put into consistently applying, and responding to emails and interview requests will pay off.”
   
   
4. Easier, More Relaxed Networking Opportunities: Summer naturally invites a more laid-back vibe, making it an ideal time to connect with your network. People tend to have more flexibility and are often more open to grabbing coffee, attending local events, or catching up casually. Whether it’s a professional mixer or a quick meetup at a park café, summer makes networking feel less formal and more approachable. Not sure where to begin? Send a simple message like, “Hey, I’d love to catch up over coffee sometime soon—there’s a great little spot downtown I’ve been meaning to try!”
   
   
5. Internships and Entry-Level Turnover Create New Openings: Summer brings shifts within companies—especially at the entry level. Interns complete their programs, seasonal hires transition out, and some recent grads accept other offers, creating unexpected vacancies. These movements create new openings that employers need to fill quickly, particularly in administrative, operations, customer service, and early-career roles.
   
   Meggett added, “Sometimes the job we take isn’t the job we truly want, but even temporary or part-time roles can help fill gaps on a résumé. They can offer new experiences, introduce transferable skills, and even open doors to industries or companies we haven’t worked in before. There’s a difference between the jobs we can do and the ones we want to do—but staying employed, even in a short-term or less-than-ideal role, shows initiative and helps avoid long stretches of unexplained unemployment. Because days can turn into weeks, weeks into months, and before long, you’re facing a gap that needs explanation.”
   
   
6. Get a Head Start on Fall Hiring: Many job seekers hit “go” in September, assuming that’s when the real hiring begins. But by applying in July or August, you can beat that surge. If you’re already in the pipeline when the fall hiring wave hits, you’ll be in a strong position and the first in line for new opportunities. Think of it like planting seeds before the harvest—get ahead now, and you’ll reap the benefits when everyone else is just getting started. ”