Job Search Vacation

When is it appropriate to take a break from your job search?   It is the peak of vacation season, so why should you continue your job search grind? You could be on a sandy beach somewhere.   Don’t you deserve a couple weeks off the search so you can return refreshed and invigorated? Ah, but then the guilt sets in.  Can you really afford one more week of unemployment?  What if you miss that once-in-a-career opportunity while snoozing in your beach cabana?  Here are some tips to keep the job search alive without giving up your vacation. 

1.)    Automate Your Search

Tap into online tools on Indeed.com, Monster.com, and other sites.  Most have a scout that you can customize with your search criteria.  You can set the scout to send you a daily or weekly email with new job postings.  No need to spend hours combing sites. Hit the big aggregator sites (like Indeed.com) as well as a few niche sites based on your field or location.  Cut your search time to minutes by using scouts.  Any day of the week, including vacation, review those emails to stay on top of new postings. 

2.)    Create a Daily Routine

Set aside an hour each day, even during your vacation, to work your job search.  This may involve company research to identify potential opportunities. Perhaps you have a few résumés to send to companies or follow-up calls.  You can get a lot done in an hour a day without forfeiting too much of your vacation time. 

3.)    Network Where You Are

Take your network on the road.  When on vacation, there are so many opportunities to meet new people that can open doors for you.  It could be the person in the seat next to you on the plane.  Maybe the concierge has the down-low on local companies.  In addition to expanding your real world networking, stay in touch with your virtual network daily.  

4.)    Rest and Reflect

When you are completely relaxed, your mind is open to creative new ideas.  Take your vacation time to reflect on your career and dream about your future.  When you let your brain wander and thoughts flow freely, you may imagine yourself in a career.  The next step, of course, is to define your goal and build a plan. 

Vacations are important for our physical health, mental well-being, and our relationships.  Take a vacation, even if it is a short and sweet get-away.   If you are job-searching, you deserve a break. However, spare an hour per day to keep the search active.  If you have had a job search break-through while on vacation, write me. I  love to hear success stories!