03 Sep The Summer Resignation Boom: Why More Employees Quit Between July and August—And How to Plan Your Next Career Move
The beginning of the year isn’t the only time professionals can make a career change. During the summer or in the middle of the year, many feel compelled to find other positions that best suit changing goals and objectives.
This article will discuss the reasons behind summer resignations and how you can gain an advantage when competing for job openings that interest you.
Reasons Behind Summer Resignations
Summer brings more than just hot weather and vacation plans. It also brings a wave of job resignations across many industries. Professionals make career moves during these months for various reasons. The following are some reasons why you might have many competitors eyeing the role you want:
1. Received Payouts
Many companies distribute bonuses and profit-sharing payments during the first half of the year. These payouts give employees a financial cushion to take career risks. Workers feel more confident about leaving their current job when they have extra money in the bank.
Since bonus money can cover living expenses during a job search, many take advantage of this chance to transition without worrying about their day-to-day needs. Some employees wait specifically for these payments before making their move. They use the payout as a bridge to their next opportunity without worrying about immediate income loss.
2. Post-Vacation Clarity
Vacation time provides employees with much-needed distance from their daily work routine. This break has the potential to lead to important realizations about job satisfaction and career direction. Employees often return from time off with fresh eyes and renewed energy. Although this motivates many employees to work hard, some tend to notice problems at work that they previously ignored or accepted.
The contrast between relaxation and work stress becomes more obvious after a break. Many employees realize they want a better work-life balance or more fulfilling responsibilities. This clarity motivates them to start looking for new positions that better match their values and lifestyle goals.
3. Realigned Career Goals
Since summer lands in the middle of the year, many tend to use the time for reflection and goal-setting. Employees take stock of their progress and compare it to their original career plans. Simply put, the middle of the year provides a good checkpoint to evaluate whether they are on track for their desired future.
Some workers discover new interests or passions that require a career change. Others decide they want to pursue leadership roles or switch industries entirely. This self-assessment can lead to the decision to seek new opportunities that better align with their updated goals.
4. Lack of Advancement Opportunities
Mid-year performance reviews often reveal limited growth potential within current companies. Employees may receive positive feedback but see no clear path for promotion or salary increases. Some discover that their company has budget constraints or organizational restructuring that blocks advancement. Others learn that the skills they want to develop are not valued in their current role.
When workers realize they have hit a ceiling, they start looking elsewhere for growth opportunities. The timing coincides with summer, when many companies begin their hiring processes for fall positions. This creates a perfect window for motivated employees to find roles with better advancement potential.
Read more: Time to Quit? Five Signs to Know for Sure
5. Newly Formed Connections and Leads
Summer brings numerous networking opportunities through conferences, industry events, and social gatherings. Employees get the chance to meet new contacts who may offer job leads or career advice. These connections can happen naturally at summer events, barbecues, or while traveling.
Professional relationships formed during relaxed settings can lead to unexpected job opportunities. Some workers receive direct job offers from new contacts or learn about openings at other companies. The informal nature of summer networking makes it easier to have career conversations and explore possibilities.
5 Tips to Get Ahead
Before you submit your resignation letter or begin your notice period, first improve your chances of landing the roles you want. The following are some tips you can follow to get ahead of the competition:
1. Get to Know Yourself
Self-awareness is the foundation of a successful job search.
- Define the roles you want by identifying positions that match your interests and career goals.
- Take time to write down specific job titles and responsibilities that excite you.
- Get to know your skills by creating a comprehensive list of your abilities and experiences. Include both technical skills and soft skills that make you valuable to employers.
- Consider asking former colleagues or supervisors what they see as your strongest qualities.
Self-assessment helps you target the right opportunities and speak confidently about your qualifications during interviews. It allows you to understand your strengths and preferences, which can empower you to focus your search on positions where you will truly excel and find satisfaction.
2. Tailor Your Applications
Generic applications get lost in the pile of resumes that hiring managers receive daily. So, it’s important to customize each resume and cover letter you send. Ensure each one matches the specific job requirements and company culture of the organization you’re hoping to join.
- Read job descriptions carefully and use similar keywords in your application materials.
- Highlight experiences that directly relate to the role you want.
- Research the company’s values and mission statement, then show how your background aligns with their goals.
- Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your ability to solve problems similar to those the employer faces. This targeted approach shows employers that you are genuinely interested in their company and have taken time to understand their needs.
Read more: 4 Ways Tech Gives You a Competitive Edge
3. Nurture Your Professional Brand
Your professional brand represents how others perceive your expertise and work style. Develop this brand both offline and online to create a consistent professional image.
Offline
Attend industry events, join professional associations, and participate in networking activities where you can showcase your knowledge and build relationships.
Online
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- Maintain an updated LinkedIn profile with a professional photo and detailed work history.
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- Share industry articles and insights to demonstrate your expertise and engagement in your field.
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- Keep your social media profiles professional and aligned with your career goals.
Read more: How to Stand Out From Your Competition When Applying to Jobs Online
Remember that your professional brand should tell a clear story about who you are and what value you bring to organizations. A strong brand can make you memorable to hiring managers and help you stand out from other candidates.
4. Be Intentional in Your Job Search
Desperation can lead to poor career decisions that set you back in the long run. With this said, don’t just apply to any open position, even when you’re feeling desperate to quickly secure a job offer. Focus on quality over quantity when applying for open positions.
- Create specific criteria for the types of roles you want and stick to those standards.
- Consider factors like company culture, growth opportunities, salary range, and work-life balance when evaluating potential employers.
- Research each company thoroughly before applying to ensure they align with your values and career objectives.
By being intentional, you save time and energy during the application process. You also increase your chances of finding a role where you’re happy and successful.
Read more: What Research Should You Do Before Applying for a Job
5. Practice Summer-Specific Interview Questions
Since summer resignations are usually motivated by similar reasons, expect companies to ask related questions. Some examples of summer-specific questions you should know your answers to are:
a. Why are you making a move mid-year?
Interviewers ask this question because they want to understand your motivation and ensure you are not leaving due to performance issues or conflicts. The best way to answer is to focus on positive reasons like career growth, new challenges, or better alignment with your goals. You might mention that you received a bonus that gave you financial flexibility to explore new opportunities or that you had time to reflect during vacation and realized you wanted a change.
b. What do you want to accomplish in the next 6 months?
Employers ask this question because they are testing whether you have realistic expectations and clear goals for your new role. Answer by mentioning specific skills you want to develop or projects you hope to contribute to based on your research of the position. Show that you have thought seriously about how you will add value and grow in the role during your first months.
c. What can you offer our existing teams?
Interviewers want to know how you will fit in and add value immediately. Discuss your collaborative work style and provide examples of how you have successfully integrated with new teams in previous roles. Mention specific skills or experiences that complement what the current team already has and explain how you can help them achieve their goals.
Land a job that fits your goals and values.
Masis is a staffing company that prioritizes your goals and preferences over simple placements. We take pride in the quality of services we provide both to our clients and professionals.
Want to take the next step in your career? Allow us to be your guide! Contact us today.