When on job hunt, no summer break

Career experts suggest getting jump on fall, winter business opportunities

Hanah Cho | On the Job

August 7, 2006

Forget the dog days of summer. When it comes to job searches, there is no vacation.

Career experts say many job seekers mistakenly put off their searches until the fall.

But Right Management, a global consulting and outplacement firm, says companies are now getting ready for business in the fall and winter -- which means human resources managers are looking to fill positions sooner than later.

With many job seekers taking a summer break, it opens up opportunities for people who are still sending out resumes, making calls and networking. Workplace experts say they can get a head-start on snagging interviews and jobs.

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"People stop all summer and wait until after Labor Day -- that's when a lot of people are looking," said Clay Parcells, vice president of the firm's Maryland, Virginia and Washington offices.

Here are some tips: Attend networking events and job fairs, which may not be as packed during the summer months; and call your old college professors, who have more time now, for potential job contacts.

While on the subject of careers, a reader from Baltimore is looking for some career advice.

Steven asks whether it's wise for him to take a five-month contractual job that will become a full-time position thereafter.

Steven will earn no vacation or sick days, or any benefits, including health care during those first five months.

The upside is the new position would pay $2,000 more than what he makes now, with guaranteed raises each year. Besides that, Steven says he can't think of any other positives.

Steven says he's considering this new job because his current position is expected to be radically changed in seven months.

Is the new job the right move for Steven?

Kimberly Bowen, a career and life coach in Annapolis, says Steven should look for other options.

"Because you have seven months before your current position is changing, and I didn't hear any positive, warm [and] fuzzy feelings about moving into a contractual position, my suggestion is to not settle for less and explore as many opportunities as you can before choosing the right match," Bowen says.

That being said, Bowen adds that Steven's new job opportunity isn't a bad one, given that Steven is single and he could afford to pay for temporary health coverage.

Still, Bowen says Steven should re-examine whether the job offer would match his long-term career goals and his life.

"I hate to see someone in a position where they're not enthusiastic about it," she says.

What's happening in your workplace? Send your stories, comments and questions to working@baltsun.com. Please include your first name and your city.

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When on job hunt, no summer break

Career experts suggest getting jump on fall, winter business opportunities

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