Summer Is a Fantastic Time for Your Job Search
How to Get a Summer Headhstart
Welcome to issue #064 of LinkedIn Unlocked. Twice a week, I share practical, unfiltered advice for free to help senior executives land their next role—faster, and without wasting time on strategies that don’t work.
I’ve spent 20+ years in the medical devices industry, including a 5 at the C-level.
Today, I lead the global life sciences practice at one of the top 10 executive search firms worldwide. I know exactly how headhunters use LinkedIn—because I do it every day.
It's unbelievable how many executives completely pause their job search the moment July arrives.
They buy into this ridiculous myth that "nobody hires during summer" and basically hand their competitors a two-month head start.
Honestly? It's one of the most damaging misconceptions in executive job searching.
And if you're planning to slow down your LinkedIn optimization or stop reaching out to headhunters because "it's summer," you're about to make a costly mistake.
Let me tell you exactly why summer is actually prime time for executive searches—and how to use this seasonal advantage to land your next role faster.
The Truth About Summer Executive Searches
Here's what really happens during summer months that most executives never see:
We're just as busy—if not busier.
Executive search consultants don't take three-month vacations. Our clients don't pause their strategic hiring because the weather gets warm.
In fact, summer often becomes our most productive season for these reasons:
C-suite executives finally have bandwidth to focus on hiring decisions
Boards use summer breaks to plan leadership transitions
Q3 budget approvals trigger new search mandates
Companies want new leaders in place before fall strategic planning
And on top: fewer candidates are actively searching.
While you're sitting poolside convinced "nothing happens in summer," your competition has essentially removed themselves from the market.
That means more opportunities, less competition.
It's abundantly clear that executives who stay active during summer have a massive advantage.
Why Search Processes Take Longer (And Why That's Good for You)
Yes, summer search processes typically extend by 2-4 weeks.
But that's not because we're less motivated—it's because of vacation schedules and slower decision-making cycles.
Here's why this actually works in your favor:
Longer timelines mean more thoughtful evaluation.
Rushed searches often favor the "safe" internal candidate or the first qualified external option. Extended timelines give truly exceptional candidates time to stand out.
Multiple stakeholders create better opportunities for relationship building.
When a CEO is out for two weeks in July, you get extra time to connect with other board members, the CHRO, or key team members who influence the hiring decision.
Summer interviews are often more relaxed and substantive.
I've had some of my best candidate conversations during summer months when everyone's slightly more relaxed and willing to have deeper strategic discussions.
How to Dominate Summer Executive Search
While your competition hibernates, here's how to absolutely dominate:
1. Double Down on LinkedIn Optimization Now
Summer is the perfect time to completely overhaul your LinkedIn profile because:
You have more time for strategic profile optimization
Headhunters are actively building talent maps for fall searches
Less competition means higher visibility in search results
Take action: Spend the next two weeks optimizing your headline, About section, and Experience descriptions using industry-specific keywords.
2. Target Search Firms Planning Fall Mandates
Executive search firms use summer months to map talent for upcoming searches.
Smart move: Research and connect with 20-30 relevant headhunters now. Even if they don't have immediate openings, you'll be top-of-mind when fall mandates arrive.
3. Leverage the "Available for Summer Conversations" Advantage
While other executives claim they're "too busy with vacations," position yourself as readily available for strategic discussions.
Winning approach: Update your LinkedIn headline to include "Available for Strategic Conversations" or enable the recruiter-only "Open to Work" feature.
The Numbers That Prove Summer Job Searching Works
From my own search data over the past five years:
38% of VP-level placements happen between June and August
Summer candidates receive 23% fewer competing applications for the same roles
Really think about that: nearly 40% of executive placements happen during the "slow" season.
Those aren't coincidences—they're patterns you can exploit.
Stop Making This Expensive Summer Mistake
The biggest mistake executives make isn't pausing their search entirely—it's using summer as an excuse to lower their intensity.
They might keep their LinkedIn updated but stop networking.
They respond to headhunter calls but don't proactively reach out.
They maintain basic activity but don't optimize for maximum visibility.
That's not a strategy—that's career sabotage.
Summer isn't the time to coast. It's the time to accelerate while your competition sleeps.
Your Summer Search Action Plan
This week:
Optimize your LinkedIn profile for maximum headhunter visibility
Research 15 executive search firms specializing in your industry
Enable "Open to Work" (recruiter-only) to signal availability
Next 30 days:
Connect with relevant headhunters using the strategies I've shared
Schedule strategic conversations with your network
Apply for 2-3 posted executive roles per week (yes, they exist in summer)
Through August:
Maintain consistent LinkedIn activity and profile updates
Respond to all headhunter outreach within 24 hours
Use extended timelines to build deeper relationships with search consultants
The Bottom Line
Summer isn't a dead zone for executive opportunities—it's a competitive advantage waiting to be claimed.
While other executives convince themselves "nothing happens until September," you can be having substantive conversations with headhunters who are actively mapping talent for fall searches.
Really, the choice is simple: join the crowd on the sidelines, or dominate an less competitive market.
Your next executive role won't wait for fall.
Neither should you.
Kristof
P.S. Want to make sure headhunters can actually find you this summer? My LinkedIn Optimization course shows you exactly how to optimize your profile for maximum visibility during peak search season. Get instant access here →