Top Five Summer Hiring Myths
Newcomers to Canada often find themselves at the mercy of conflicting job-search information and opinions on how to best secure a career.
One of the greatest mis-conceptions that job-seekers face is the stero-type that the summer season is a terrible time to look for a new career. Nothing could be further from the truth!
Here are the top five myths about the summer hiring season and reality of what jobseeker need to know.
Myth #1
Companies slow down during the summer months and are not hiring.
Reality:
Fact is most businesses do not count on less business during the summer. Therefore, the need for quality staff remains crucial. In-fact many industries face hiring urgencies during the summer: tourism, hospitality, entertainment, construction, retail, government to name a few. These industries rely on other companies to support their businesses; supplier companies, partner companies and the businesses that their customers work for. All these companies remain active during the summer to support each other and take advantage of the increased in customers.
Myth #2
Hiring managers are all on vacations
Reality:
Most mangers take one week off during the summer,the rest take two weeks off. Last time I checked the summer season lasts 12 to 16 weeks. Furthermore, when a manager goes on vacation, they usually designate someone to handle business matters, including screening, interviewing and hiring.
Myth #3
It’s tough to get in-touch with decision makers during the summer months.
Reality:
Approximately 80% of hiring in Canada is done by SME’s (small to medium size companies.) These companies are run by entrepreneurs. Most entrepreneurs and business owners are not hard to get a hold of, THEY ARE JUST BUSY ALL THE TIME. They are running a company: operations, payroll, selling, marketing, bookkeeping, etc. Change your strategy if your having trouble reaching decision makers. Don’t blame it on the summer.
Also ask yourself, what are the ideal months to contact entrepreneurs, when they have plenty of time to return your call”.
Myth #4 University and College students are sending out tons for jobs making it more competitive.
Reality:
There are probably less resumes sent out in the summer. The typical jobseeker is less active in the summer months; family vacations, summer activities and the believing that the summer is a terrible time to look for work.
Also, students look for more transient work and want to return to their studies in September. Employers are not naïve, they realize students will be returning to school in the fall and most won’t hire a seasonal worker over someone they know will stay throughout the year and save their company the burden and expense of re-hiring in fall.
Myth #5
With the heat of the summer it’s ok to dress a more casual for a job interview.
Reality:
First impressions are first impressions, regardless of season. Make it a rule if you are searching for a career to always look professional. Wearing summer attire, such as shorts and tee-shirts, tight or short clothing that accentuates your new summer physic is not acceptable.
Ignore these summer employment myths and you’ll have a huge advantage as your competition is waits for the September. Remain active with your job search and you could heat up your career.
Minto Roy
President
CareersToday Canada
www.careerstodaycanada.com
www.mintoroy.net