With summer still in full swing, one of the last things you may be thinking about is looking for a new job opportunity. First, you’re sure no one is looking to hire staff during this time of year. Second, you’re confident that hiring managers aren’t even around to bring in new people. Finally, everyone is taking a break from their job search. Right?

Contrary to popular belief, these three things aren’t actually true. The common perception that companies cut back on—or even stop—hiring in the summer is just a myth. In fact, committing to a summer job search can present you with more opportunities that better suit your interests and career goals!

Here are 3 reasons why you’ll want to go ahead and start your summer job search:

The Luxury Of Time

When it comes to finding the right job opportunity, timing can be everything. The earlier you start exploring new opportunities, the greater your chances are of finding a position that aligns with your career goals. If you’re proactive during your summer job search, you’re more likely to find a diverse range of available opportunities, so getting a head start can afford you time to hone in on exactly the type of role that would be best for you. This will also help ensure you that you won’t miss out on any potential jobs or feel rushed into making an important career decision further down the line.

Less Competition

Since many professionals believe the myth that companies aren’t actively hiring in the summer, people who start their job search before September or October will face less competition. With less applications coming in, hiring managers should have more time to dedicate to your resume. This can lead you to more interviews, which can ultimately yield more options!

More Flexibility

While you may still be hesitant, here’s one more reason why you should dedicate your time to a summer job search; there is more flexibility to find a new role during this time of year. Since it’s common for people to take more time off in the summer, especially in the afternoons and in the beginning and end of each week, it could look less obvious that you’re actively pursuing other opportunities. For example, your Monday mornings or Friday afternoons off may set off less alarms during the summer than they would during other times of the year.

If you do decide to go through with a summer job search, it’s important to remember that being proactive doesn’t mean you have to make a move if you don’t find an opportunity that is right for you. However, getting a head start now can put you ahead of the game before people start looking for opportunities later in the year!