How to Balance Job Search Stress and Summer Relaxation

How to Balance Job Search Stress and Summer RelaxationAh, summer. Beaches, barbecues, and .applying for new jobs? While your dreams for summer may not include resume writing and prepping for bewerbungsinterviews, the fact is that you cant always control when the time may be right to start looking for a new job. However, the words summer vacation and job hunt dont have to be mutually exclusive. Lets take a closer look at how to manage job search stress while enjoying the joys of summer. googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1467144145037-0) ) Focus on the PositivesLooking for a job in the summer seems a whole lot less stressful when theres the heightened chance of a great job on the other side of it. Whether youre a new grad entering the market or a seasoned worker in search of exciting new employment, summer is actually a great opportunity to find a job. Why? Because with Q1 and Q2 the busy season for job seekers, not nearly as many people are searching in Q3 a nd Q4. Vacancies are vacancies, however, and can arise at any time.So what does this mean for you? Simple a potential inside edge on any job that arises during this slow time of year. In other words, while your competition is playing beach volleyball, you can be accepting the offer of your dreams.But keep in mind that this window of opportunity closes when the schools open their doors. Come September, your fellow job seekers will reemerge. If you have even the smallest inkling that a job switch may be in order, start early to gain the biggest advantage while also enjoying some breathing room.Set a ScheduleThe call of summer is loud, and honestly lets face it would you rather spend the afternoon at the pool or in front of your computer screen?Unfortunately, procrastination is one of the biggest pitfalls of job hunting in the summer, but can be kept at bay through one simple act creating and sticking with a schedule. Budget a certain amount of time every day to get through key job-hun ting activities, such as scouring the job boards for new listings or crafting the perfect cover letter for a great new lead.If possible, schedule these tasks for early in the day. That way, you can get your screen time out of the way and still have plenty of time for cannonballs with the kiddos later in the day without any nagging thoughts about what you should be doing getting in the way.But Be Prepared to WaitWhile job hunting during the summer can be beneficial to job hunters, it can also be frustrating. Knowing what to expect can help you manage your expectations and scale down your stress.With many employees reserving their vacation time for the summer months, the process can move more slowly than usual. Patience and persistence are the key to success. Dont panic if you dont hear back right away. Instead, follow up within a week or two after sending your resume. This can help keep your name toward the top of the pile if vacations have temporarily tabled the search.On the sunny side, is the fact that summer can also have the opposite effect. When schedules are tight because of vacations and other vacancies, companies may accelerate the interview process when all necessary parties are available to avoid costly slow-downs in the future.Consider New OpportunitiesIf your job search has stalled or youre not certain youre ready to commit to a particular job or industry, summers abundance of contract-to-hire positions opens new doors. Many organizations have extended openings during the summer due to sabbaticals and vacations. If you excel in a contract position and the timing is right, it may lead to a permanent position. Worst case scenario? You dont end up with a full-time job, but you do beef up your resume while picking up a new reference or two.Soak It InWinters doldrums can leave you feeling sluggish and slow, but summertime can be positively energizing. While job hunting may not top the list of things youd like to be doing this summer, why not leverage th e vivacity of the season to enhance your job search? Instead of looking at the process as a dreaded chore, reframe it as an exciting opportunity. After all, wouldnt it be amazing to have a terrific new job by the time the leaves start to fall?

Fairygodboss Of The Week Jessie DAmato Ford

Fairygodboss Of The Week Jessie DAmato Ford Jessie DAmato Ford helps programmers from around the world achieve their dreams at Topcoder...all while living hers. She balances the 24/7 schedule of her full-time job with her two children and still finds time to write in her spare time. zu sich advice Be open to new experiences They could change your life.Fairygodboss of the Week Jessie DAmato FordCommunity and Topcoder Open Manager - TopcoderHartford, CTFGB Tell us about your career. How did you get to where you are now?JDF I have been working for Topcoder and the Topcoder community for more than 11 years. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life after college but knew I was good with events and enjoyed doing them. I started working for Topcoder managing the annual event, the Topcoder Open (TCO) which is the ultimate programming and design tournament. Ive loved it so much Im still doing it to this day. Every year many talented coders and designers from all over the world earn a tr ip to compete in the TCO onsite finals in the United States and I manage every aspect of the tournament (the website, promotions, event management, budget, and the list goes on...).I can honestly say Im the only person in the world who does what I do because there is nothing exactly like the TCO anywhere else.FGB What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?JDF I am fruchtwein proud of helping Topcoder members live their dreams. They work so hard to earn dream trips to the United States from all over the world. I help them get their visa, book their travel, and treat them like VIP guests as they arrive to compete. I love how much the trip and tournament means to them, and Im proud to have played a part in their experience.FGB What is a challenge that youve faced and overcome?JDF Work/Life balance as a working mom is tough. Im not going to lie, working full time from home with two little ones at my side is not for the faint of heart. Balancing childcare with conference calls and e very day work is certainly a challenge. Ive learned that the key is being flexible and not to sweat the small stuff. As long as I get my job done, it doesnt matter if its at 5am or 10pm. Im very lucky I have that flexibility.Plus in my spare time Im a writer so being able to laugh at myself and write helps me stay saneLightning RoundFGB What do you do when youre not working?JDF Trying to keep up with my toddler and first grader We love to dance together and just hang out. I also love to write and have a website dedicated for my writing jessiedamatoford.com.Im avid reader when there is time but I just love being with my family.FGB If you could have dinner with one famous person - dead or alive - who would it be?JDF Paul Simon I love his music so very muchFGB What is your karaoke song?JDF Madonnas Like a Prayer.FGB What is your favorite movieJDF The Princess Bride.FGB What book would you bring with you on a desert island?JDF Really? That question is impossible I love way too many book s. FGB What is your shopping vice? What would you buy if you won the lottery?JDF Right now Im obsessed with buying my kids things especially adorable kids clothes and bathing suits. They are so cheap and so cuteIf I was a lottery winner, Id give most of it away to family and charity. Share the wealth is how I feelFGB Who is your Fairygodboss?JDF I worked under a special woman for a short time but she was the best boss I ever had. Not only did she care deeply for her gruppe but she pushed us to think more and be better. I think I learned more from her in the few months we were a team than I could have imagined.FGB What is the 1 career tip youd like to share with other women who want to have successful careers like you?JDF Be open. Try something new. I started working for a technology company and had no idea about technology. I have learned so much because I didnt let my lack of knowledge stop me. If you have a desire to learn and are open to trying something new, you may be surprised .FGB Why do you love where you work?JDF I love the flexibility and the people. I work from home full time with a flexible schedule. And, I work with some of the best people in the world. It makes working fun -- even when Im up late nights on calls with other time zones.Fairygodboss is all about women helping other women. So each week, we celebrate a woman who makes a difference in other womens careers. Is there a woman who has made a difference in your career? Celebrate and thank her by nominating her here.