(But Don’t Go Completely Off the Grid)
Summer is a time when everything slows down — the pace of life, the email replies, and yes, even the job market. If you’ve been deep in the trenches of job searching, feeling drained or disheartened, we want to tell you something important: it’s okay to take a break.
In fact, stepping away for a few weeks over the summer could be one of the most productive things you do for your job hunt — as long as you keep one eye open for opportunities and stay lightly prepared.
Summer Slowdown… or Not?
It’s true that hiring activity typically dips slightly in July and August. Many hiring managers are on annual leave, and some companies pause recruitment decisions until September. However, this doesn’t mean the job market grinds to a halt. In fact, some organisations use this quieter period to get a head start on autumn hiring — meaning the summer can actually be a great time to spot roles before the crowd returns in September.
The Roles You Won’t See Advertised
Here’s something many job seekers don’t realise: as many as 60–80% of roles are filled through networking and never make it onto a jobs board. These so-called “hidden jobs” often get snapped up by people who are in the right place, talking to the right people, at the right time.
That’s why we recommend staying lightly connected during your summer break. A few small actions — like keeping your LinkedIn profile active, checking in with a mentor, or catching up with your professional community — can make a huge difference in uncovering opportunities that don’t get posted publicly.
Keep One Eye on the Jobs Board
At Back to Work Connect, we know that many Returner Friendly employers continue to post summer roles — especially in sectors with year-round staffing needs like healthcare, tech, education, and finance. Some of the best-fit roles for midlife workers and career changers land quietly in July or August, while everyone else is switched off.
So while we absolutely encourage you to rest and recharge, consider setting a weekly reminder to check the Back to Work Connect jobs board, just in case that perfect opportunity pops up.
Summer Prep Checklist (So You’re Ready If the Right Job Appears)
If you do one thing this summer to stay job-search ready, make it this:
Keep your CV updated. You don’t need a full redesign, but make sure your most recent experience and skills are included. Save it in PDF and Word format, ready to send.
Check your email regularly. Especially the spam folder — we’ve seen more than one interview invitation land there.
Practice a short intro or elevator pitch. You never know when you’ll meet someone who can open a door. A confident, clear explanation of who you are and what you’re looking for can go a long way.
Light networking. That doesn’t mean cold-messaging strangers — but saying yes to a coffee invite, replying to someone’s LinkedIn post, or catching up with a former colleague can all lead somewhere unexpected.
Give Yourself Permission to Pause
Burnout doesn’t help anyone — least of all you. Taking a break isn’t giving up. It’s investing in your wellbeing and returning stronger in the autumn, ready to re-engage with fresh eyes and renewed energy.
So if your CV is up to date, your alerts are on, and your networking is ticking over quietly, you have our full permission to log off, rest up, and enjoy the summer. Just remember, the right opportunity could be only one scroll away.
For more information and supports on creating a Returner Friendly recruitment process reach out to our team at info@backtoworkconnect.ie
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