With the early days of summer now upon us, we understand it might be hard for you to truly get into the swing of things when it comes to applying for jobs. And trust us, when we say we understand where you’re at; now that the weather is nice and you likely have plans every weekend from now until Labor Day, it’s tough to stay motivated when it comes to looking for a new job. While you may find yourself in this predicament, applying for (and finding!) a job is not impossible during this time of the year.

Contrary to popular belief that job searching in the summer isn’t worth the time and effort, it can actually be quite the opposite. Not only can you get ahead of your competition who may be taking a break from their searches, it’s also the perfect time for making new connections and boosting your skills.

Wondering how to make the most out of the dog days of summer? Consider the following practices below:

Use the time to boost your profile

Before you dive into your job search, take some time to make improvements to your resume, portfolio, and online profile(s). Since summer marks the halfway point of the calendar year, it’s the perfect time to assess your current credentials and really give yourself and your skills a thorough evaluation.

As the summer goes on, be open to attending professional conferences, seminars, and workshops to help improve your credentials and be encouraged by the fact that you took time to make yourself a more marketable candidate.

Be patient

As you apply for jobs, you may notice that it’s taking a longer amount of time for potential employers to make initial contact. This may leave you feeling discouraged, but don’t be. Summer, especially the early part of the season, is a popular time for people to take a break from their inboxes and head out of the office for vacation.  However, don’t assume that you’re being ignored.

In many industries where the summer months may present a lull in responsibilities, hiring managers have more time to really get to know their candidates. Because of this, a delayed response from a potential employer may be because of their ability to devote more time to you and what skills and experiences you can bring to the table. Ultimately, taking time to decide whether or not you’re the right fit is time well spent for both you and the employer!

Go out and network

The summer months are a fantastic time to network, so definitely plan to attend several networking events throughout the season. At these events, remember that they aren’t just about finding as many job leads as you can (though that certainly doesn’t hurt). You may feel the pressure to do so as you watch other job seekers network, but remember that building a genuine connection with event attendees can do just as much, if not more, for you. Take this ideal networking season to create a foundation for your job search, and don’t be afraid to follow up with the people you met to discuss job opportunities that present themselves to you in the future.

Make time for yourself

You may feel the pressure to devote most of your extra time to job boards and your application materials, but it’s crucial that you give yourself breaks and some time to enjoy the summer months. Ultimately, finding a good balance between dedicating time to your job search and being active with friends and family will keep you productive and motivated!