Many people are under the impression that summer is not a
good time to be looking for a job and that everything is very quiet. Of course,
if you are claiming an unemployment benefit from your government then this will
not wash with your benefit advisers and you will still be expected to present
job search evidence if you have to go for appointments. However, Summer can in
fact be a good time to look for a job. Here are a few tips to make the most of
it.
Be confident about your telephone skills, a lot of the people you contact may be on vacation so you will receive more voice mail messages than usual, or in the case of e-mail applications there will be more out of office responses, always keep track of any follow ups that you need to do such as call backs. Here is an example of an effective format if you have to leave a message ~
“Hello, this is… My number is XXX-XXX-XXXX. I am calling because. The best time to get back in touch with me is. Again, this is and my number is XXX-XXX-XXXX. Thank you!”
Do remember to give your area code with your telephone number as sometimes you will not get a reply because the person you are calling is not sure where you are from!!! Provide more than one contact number if possible and spell any unrecognisable words and speak slowly and clearly but be careful not to overdo it.
Make the most of summer opportunities to meet people and while you do not need or want to become an obviously unemployed bore, you can make the most of opportunities to meet people, get talking and mention that you are looking for a job.
Be confident about your telephone skills, a lot of the people you contact may be on vacation so you will receive more voice mail messages than usual, or in the case of e-mail applications there will be more out of office responses, always keep track of any follow ups that you need to do such as call backs. Here is an example of an effective format if you have to leave a message ~
“Hello, this is… My number is XXX-XXX-XXXX. I am calling because. The best time to get back in touch with me is. Again, this is and my number is XXX-XXX-XXXX. Thank you!”
Do remember to give your area code with your telephone number as sometimes you will not get a reply because the person you are calling is not sure where you are from!!! Provide more than one contact number if possible and spell any unrecognisable words and speak slowly and clearly but be careful not to overdo it.
Make the most of summer opportunities to meet people and while you do not need or want to become an obviously unemployed bore, you can make the most of opportunities to meet people, get talking and mention that you are looking for a job.
Sign up for volunteering opportunities, consider temporary
summer jobs. Volunteering not only helps you to make contacts, especially
important if you have been e.g., out of circulation for a time because of ill health
and or having a very low income but it also when put on your resume / CV shows
that you are able to commit to a routine of work and showing up, especially
important if your resume or CV suggests that you have been unemployed for some time.
Summer jobs, while temporary often lead to an offer of a permanent job.
Valerie Hedges
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