The Summer Slowdown Will Stop Recruitment—Here’s How to Secure a Job Before It Happens

      Do you recall being 16 and how easy it was to find a summer job? You merely had to pick between scooping ice cream or lifeguarding, introduce yourself, express your willingness to work any shift, and you were in. (Oh, how I long for such simple times!) In contrast, adulthood presents a different scenario. The run-up to summer no longer sparks excitement, leisurely reading lists, or boundless job opportunities. Instead, you and many others find yourselves frantically searching for a job before hiring slows down for summer—when most industries enter a hiring lull.

      After a demanding first half of the year, decision-makers are ready for a break. Thus, by early June, hiring and training are often replaced with beach days, making it challenging to find job postings or receive updates about your applications. Securing a job before or during summer isn’t impossible, but you need to act quickly to capture HR's attention—starting now. Fortunately, we have some tips to assist you. Below are our best strategies for applying quickly, interviewing early, and securing a job before the summer slowdown.

      1. Apply to newly posted jobs daily

      If your job search has felt more like a hobby rather than a task, it’s time to adjust your approach. Hiring managers want to act swiftly to hire and train candidates before summer vacation hits, so you must be ready. Aim to apply for several (five to six) jobs each day, focusing on those listed within the past week, as older postings may already attract many applicants. Prior to hitting “submit,” invest time in customizing your resume and cover letter to align with each job description. (This may seem like a lot of work, but remember, you’re only doing a few each day!) We know HR will likely use AI tools to sift through applicants for quicker hiring, and you can’t risk having yours overlooked immediately.

      2. Prioritize roles that move quickly

      Certain interview and hiring processes can drag on, especially when many people are on vacation during the summer, leading to prolonged hiring timelines. To avoid this, focus on roles with faster hiring processes. Positions at smaller companies, startups, and temporary or contract roles generally have shorter hiring cycles compared to larger firms. Fewer people to engage with and fewer hurdles to overcome? Now that’s appealing! This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply for positions at larger companies, but it’s advantageous to submit more applications to smaller firms where you’re likely to hear back more quickly.

      3. Do your own recruiting

      While recruiters work year-round, their efforts can be limited when job openings are scarce. Instead of waiting for a recruiter to connect you with an ideal role, take the initiative to seek it out yourself. You can begin by asking your network if they know of any job openings and if they can help connect you. Additionally, reach out via cold emails or DMs on LinkedIn to individuals working at your target companies. Introduce yourself, share your elevator pitch, and inquire about potential opportunities. Since many jobs are hidden from public postings, you might discover openings that aren’t widely advertised.

      “If you want to secure a job before the summer slowdown, you must present yourself as a prepared, qualified candidate requiring minimal training.”

      4. Keep track of your applications

      Now is not the time to wonder, “Did I reply to that email?” To maintain organization and stay sharp in your job search before summer hits, log all your applications in a notebook or an Excel spreadsheet. Start by noting the role and where you found the listing. Create checkboxes to mark off tasks such as tailoring your resume and cover letter, submitting your application, following up, researching the company, and noting if you received a response. This will help you avoid confusion, serve as a to-do list, and save time when navigating your emails.

      5. Follow up proactively

      Most candidates wait a few days to a week before following up on a job application or interview. However, with time not on your side, it’s advisable to email or DM the hiring manager or recruiter right after you submit your application and post-interview. For instance, after applying, you might say, “I just applied for [Job Title] and wanted to introduce myself directly. I would be thrilled to offer [Skill/Experience]. I’m available for interviews at your convenience.” After an interview, thank them and follow up with something like, “Our discussion reinforced my interest in the position, and I would love to apply my experience in [key skill] to help achieve [specific project, goal, or value].” This keeps your name fresh in their minds and regularly reminds hiring managers and recruiters of your skills and interest.

      6. Prepare for interviews now

      Don’t wait for a calendar invite to start preparing for an interview. You can’t predict how quickly they may want to proceed with you through the process. Begin by thoroughly reading the job description and researching the company (Glassdoor is great for this!). Understanding what