Summer Job Search Strategies

In case you haven't noticed by the sweltering heat outside, it's the summer.  With this time of year comes a lot of fun activities: Going to the beach, having cook outs, or hanging out at the local pool.  It's also a good time to heat up your job search.  The first half of this year was a tough one for the job market, there's no doubt about that.  Summer has typically been a prime time for hiring, however, so there may be some good news on the horizon.  So when you're done enjoying the fun in the sun, here are some tips for you to maximize your summer job search:

• The best part of this time of the year is the beautiful weather.  You should take advantage of this by getting outside more to do some serious networking.  Offer to help your neighbors with things around the house.  While you are doing this, you can mention you are currently looking for nonprofit work.  If you are lucky, you might be able to get some solid contacts. 
• Speaking of networking, there are other opportunities to make contacts that are unique to this time of the year.  Keep an eye out for community BBQs or festivals: These are great chances to make quality contacts and have fun at the same time.
• Job hunting during the summer can be rough simply because of all the fun things you could be doing instead.  You should make time for yourself, but don't get lulled into a lazy routine.  You should have made a job search schedule anyway, but it's even more important to make one during this time of the year. 
• Summer is an ideal time to add to your resume, as there are a wealth of courses you can take to make yourself more marketable.  I have talked before about improving your job skills, so this is the perfect time to do just that.  Check in with your local colleges to see what kind of continuing education classes they might have.

That's all I have for now.  Feel free to add your own summer job search strategies below.