Think summer is a slow time to find a new job? Think again!

Recruiters and hiring managers do not usually take summers off. Hiring managers are looking for top talent now. If they have any openings, they do not wait to hire. So, now is as good a time as any to look for your next position.

There’s less competition in the summer. Fewer people are job searching so you and your resume have a better chance of being seen and considered!

Hiring managers are often less busy in the summer. They have more time and attention they to give to filling open positions—meaning your application stands a better chance of being reviewed somewhat promptly rather than being pushed to the back burner.

Summer is also an ideal time to train new staff members so they'll ready for action after the Labor Day weekend. Organizations often find summer moves easier, especially when new employees are moving with the whole family since kids don't have to switch schools in the middle of the year. Plus, the pace of work is generally a bit more relaxed.

Because many industries slow down in summer, candidates may have an easier time requesting time off to participate in interviews. You may be able to cut out in the middle of a weekday afternoon—without setting off any alarms, or weaving a web of untruths such as doctor's appointments.

Networking contacts may also have more time to meet for informal interviews or informal coffee chats. Old colleague or new acquaintances may welcome opportunities to meet. Thus you’ll have an easier time forging some relationships and expanding your professional network.

This season may be a good time to review successful job search tips.

Effective job search strategies

- Show you’re knowledgeable about the company and its needs. Research the organization and job. Call contacts to get an insider’s perspective. Be conversant with the company’s product and services, and recent developments in the industry. Know how to describe contributions you can make. Identify and contact hiring managers.

- Prepare several resumes. Target each resume to a specific job. Demonstrate how your experience, skills and accomplishments fit the job and company.

If you're an entry-level candidate, a page should be plenty. If you are a mid-level candidate (with about 5 -10 years of related experience), you might write a two-page resume which allows space to include all relevant information and work history. Executives or senior-level managers with long list of accomplishments and experiences may create longer resumes.

Write your resume in Microsoft Word. Cut and paste the resume into the body of an email instead of an attachment. Employ key words listed in ads to define your skills, accomplishments and other strengths. Include numbers, dollars and evidence of quality. Avoid fancy treatments such as italics, underlining and graphics. Create a separate resume to take to the interview.

- Write a short, courteous cover letter. In three or four paragraphs, identify your job objective, highlight related accomplishments, and indicate how you can benefit the employer. Consider including a portfolio with sample accomplishments, publications or other achievements.

- Prepare for interviews. Practice delivery. Know the names and titles of all interviewers. Answer questions promptly, offering concrete examples. Show how your skills and accomplishments can do the job. Use success stories to illustrate accomplishments. Emphasize results. Give data indicating positive achievements, such as increased sales by fifteen percent over the past year.

Prepare to answer key interview questions: "Tell me about yourself?" 'What are your long-range goals?'" "Why should we hire you?" "What are your major strengths and weaknesses?" "What salary do you expect?" "How does your previous experience relate to this job?" 'Why do you want this job? "Why did you leave your last job?"

Turn limitations into strengths. If you don’t have a ready response, ask for time to think about it. Don’t respond with one-or two-word answers, interrupt or talk too much. Never discuss salary until you’re offered the job. If pressed, give a salary range, based on average yearly income in the job field.

- Present a professional demeanor. Wear the team uniform. This shows you belong in the environment. Research the norm for the geographic locale, industry and company.  Coordinate pieces. Clothes should be spotless, well-tailored. Hair should be professionally styled, nails well-kept. Avoid strong fragrances.

Radiate enthusiasm, confidence and competence. Be positive, genuine.  A sincere smile displays good will, friendliness. Show interest in the person or project. Keep hands out-of-pockets. Maintain eye contact with everyone and develop a firm handshake.

- Leave a favorable impression. If employers like you, they may create a job for you even though you don’t fit the skill set of an advertised position. Close the interview emphasizing key skills and why you should be hired. Never refuse an offer on the spot. Send thank-you notes to interviewers within 24 hours after interviews.

Keep track of the days between interviews and correspondence, and follow-up with polite reminders when appropriate.

Don’t take rejection personally. If one job doesn’t materialize, believe you’ll get a better one. Be patient. Maintain optimism, persist.

Additional job search strategies are reviewed in the award-winning, Questers Dare to Change Your Job and Life, by Dr. Carole Kanchier: https://www.amazon.com/Questers-Dare-Change-Your-Life/dp/1508408963