Looking for a summer job: good idea or bad idea?

Summer is coming to Luxembourg, much to everyone's delight. But with it comes a drop in motivation among some job seekers. Many think that recruiters are on vacation and that applying for a job is pointless. Well, you may be wrong. Applying for a job during the summer can be advantageous, as this is a strategic time to land a job.

Find out why and how to take advantage of this season to boost your job search.

Increase in job offers during the summer

Contrary to popular belief, the number of job offers does not drop in the summer. Some sectors even see an increase in hiring during the summer months. This is particularly true in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and retail.

Seasonal businesses need additional staff to meet the demands of the summer season. More job offers mean more opportunities for job seekers.

In addition, many companies publish job offers for September as early as July in anticipation of the new school year . They use the summer months to recruit, so they can train their new employees for positions available in the fall or winter. By applying during the summer, you are positioning yourself ahead of other candidates for available positions. This gives you an advantage over those who apply later.

According to Moovijob, a website specializing in recruitment in Luxembourg, the number of job offers does not decrease during the summer period. Recruiters post their ads online before going on vacation. They thus anticipate their needs for September and find applications to process when they return .

Active recruitment in companies, even in summer

Yes, some HR staff go on vacation, but companies don't stop. In certain sectors (banking, tech, industry, services), recruitment decisions are made in the summer. And the processes continue, often with less pressure.

In Luxembourg, the collective vacation system mainly affects the construction sector, which shuts down for the first two weeks of August. Elsewhere, activity slows down but does not stop.

It should also be noted that some companies in Luxembourg close their budgets during the summer. They then decide on their future recruitment needs. For some HR departments, hiring activity only resumes after these decisions have been made.

In addition, few people take more than two weeks' vacation in the summer. Remember that the legal vacation entitlement in Luxembourg is five weeks, except in certain sectors such as banking. If in doubt, it is better to take a chance and send your applications during the summer . At best, recruiters will find your application letter when they return from their summer vacations.

Remember that in Luxembourg, the summer period runs from mid-July to mid-September (summer school vacation dates).

Stand out by applying during the summer

In the summer, the number of applications decreases, especially in July and August. This is therefore the ideal time to stand out from the crowd. Fewer competitors = greater visibility.

In fact, there is a drop in connections between April and September on job boards. On moovijob.com, a website specializing in employment, connections fall by 11% in June compared to the annual average. The majority of job seekers refrain from applying during the summer, thinking that hiringslows down or that employersare on vacation. With fewer competitors, your application will stand out more. You therefore have every chance of getting noticed by employers.

Nearly 90% of recruiters use job boards as a means of recruitment. So apply in the summer to increase your chances of being seen.

In Luxembourg, applications pick up again in September, at the same time as recruitment events such as job fairs. Candidates then flock to look for jobs, so this may not necessarily be the right time for you.

Flexibility for job interviews in the summer

If you are a student, it will be easier for you to schedule interviews in the summer and attend them without conflicting with your other commitments. You can also devote more time and attention to the application process. This is also the case if you have more flexibility during the summer months.

Applying for a job takes time and effort. During the summer, you may have more free time and energy to tailor your resume. You have more time to write compelling cover letters and conduct in-depth research on companies that interest you. This extra preparation can help you present yourself as a strong candidate. These are all assets during your job interview.

Our advice for your job applications in Luxembourg

Summer is a good time to update your resumes and online profiles. Recruiters search for profiles on LinkedIn even during the holidays.

Include keywords in your profile and resume

To put the odds in your favor, don't forget to include certain keywords in your LinkedIn profile and CV databases:

• job Luxembourg
• available immediately
• seeking position [job title] Luxembourg.

Robots initially sort candidates based on the presence or absence of certain keywords. Including words found in job ads in your resume will increase your chances of being shortlisted.

Also, consider having your professional qualifications recognized as soon as possible by using the option to certify your degrees and professional experience, in order to boost your application.

When should you apply for a job, even during the summer?

What is the best day and time to apply for a job when applying by email?

It's important to know that in companies, 40% of emails arrive in the morning in professionals' inboxes and get lost in the crowd. You're therefore more likely to be noticed if you send your application in the early afternoon, when the HR department returns to the office on Monday. This will put you ahead of the other CVs that will accumulate on their desks throughout the week.

The best time to apply is on Monday or Tuesday afternoon. Avoid Monday morning, when companies' inboxes are overflowing with emails. Schedule your emails to arrive at the right time in the recruiter's inbox using your email's scheduling feature to maximize your impact.

Unsolicited applications

Don't overlook unsolicited applications either. With fewer applications to review, recruiters may be more responsive to unsolicited applications. Send a short, professional, and personalized message along with your resume.

Get some training or take stock over the summer

Not getting any replies? Take advantage of the quiet period to get some training. There are many resources available to help you develop your skills, such as MOOCs and certification courses. You could also consider coaching to help you overcome certain obstacles and develop an action plan to achieve your professional goals. This may also be the ideal time to take stock of your career plans. There are many tools available to help you do this, such as Ikigai.

Summer: a real opportunity for employment

In conclusion, if you are looking for a job in Luxembourg, summer is a very good time to send out your applications. Far from being a slow period, it can even be a springboard for job seekers in Luxembourg. Less competition, more time to apply properly, and recruiters always on the lookout: all the signs are positive.

One last tip to ensure your visibility on the job market: remember to update your CVs online on social media, as well as in CV databases. This will ensure your CV rises to the top of the list. Be active on job boards and LinkedIn, and be ready for an interview at any time.

Considering applying for a job during the summer may seem unusual, but it is actually a good time to explore the opportunities that the Luxembourg job market has to offer. Find out how to work in Luxembourg as a foreigner and maximize your chances of professional integration.