Post-summer slump: resetting your career momentum
Tips to get your job search going
You’re sitting at your desk with your resume open, your coffee cooling, and that uncomfortable thought creeping in: I should be further along by now. Maybe you planned to job hunt this summer but never quite got started. Or maybe you’ve been quietly trying, and nothing’s stuck. Whatever your story, you’re not alone and more importantly, you’re not behind. This is exactly the moment to reset your momentum, not dwell on the slump. Here’s how to jump back in—thoughtfully and strategically.
Tips to get your job search going
You’re sitting at your desk with your resume open, your coffee cooling, and that uncomfortable thought creeping in: I should be further along by now. Maybe you planned to job hunt this summer but never quite got started. Or maybe you’ve been quietly trying, and nothing’s stuck. Whatever your story, you’re not alone and more importantly, you’re not behind. This is exactly the moment to reset your momentum, not dwell on the slump. Here’s how to jump back in—thoughtfully and strategically.
September is one of the busiest hiring seasons of the year.
You’re Not Late, You’re Right on Time
September is one of the busiest hiring seasons of the year. Many companies finalize budgets in Q4. Hiring managers return from summer vacations. Projects that were on hold suddenly start to move forward.
So if you feel like everyone else has been racing ahead while you stood still, take a breath. The truth is, most people are only just starting to re-engage. The field is leveling out, and your timing might be better than you think.
Start by Cleaning Up the Essentials
If you’ve let your materials gather dust, start here. Update your resume with recent achievements, revisit your LinkedIn profile (especially your headline and summary), and make sure both reflect where you want to go, not just where you’ve been. Focus on clarity and alignment. When a recruiter or hiring manager lands on your profile, they should immediately understand what you bring to the table and what you’re looking for next.
Build a 30-Day Micro-Plan
Overwhelm kills momentum. You don’t need a five-year plan right now—you need a few intentional steps to get back in motion.
Try this:
- Reach out to 3–5 former colleagues or industry peers.
- Apply to a few roles each week that genuinely interest you.
- Engage weekly on LinkedIn (a post, a comment, a share—anything to stay visible).
- Consistency beats intensity. Momentum builds through movement.
Use this moment to level up.
Visibility Matters
Start liking and commenting on industry news. Reconnect with a former manager. Share an article with a quick takeaway. Relevant visibility reminds your network of who you are. When the right opportunity comes up, you’ll be top of mind.
Be Kind to Yourself. You’re Allowed to Pause
There’s a reason you slowed down. Whatever that reason was—summer, burnout, personal obligations, it doesn’t define your capability or your future. Momentum isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. And the very fact that you’re reading this, thinking about what’s next, already puts you in motion.
This Isn’t Starting Over. This Is Starting Smarter.
You haven’t missed your chance. You haven’t fallen behind. You’re stepping into a new season with more clarity, more awareness, and a renewed sense of purpose. Let go of the pressure to catch up. Instead, use this moment to level up.
You’re not behind. You’re right on time.
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