PHILADELPHIA, /PRNewswire/ -- Unemployed workers who take a
vacation from job hunting this summer are more likely to miss out on
opportunities to land that next job says DBM, a global human capital
management and transitions firm.  While many job seekers incorrectly believe
that employers slow down the hiring process during the summer months, DBM says
that it is the perfect time to make headway in finding your next career
position.
    "Many job seekers don't consider that the quieter summer months can be the
perfect time to schedule a meeting with a busy hiring manager," says Bret
Bero, president of DBM North America. "According to DBM's research, hiring
surges are generally seen during the spring and fall months. Because of this,
potential candidates need to get into the interview queue during the summer if
they want to realistically secure a job before the end of the year."
    DBM believes that many job seekers also underestimate the length of time
it will take to find a new position.  The majority of DBM's North American
consultants agree that it takes at least three-to-six months for a job seeker
at the manager level or below to secure a new position.  Individuals in senior
level roles, such as directors, officers, and the "C-suite", can expect to
spend between nine-to-fourteen months searching for a new position.
    DBM also estimates that the average length of time from first interview to
acceptance of a job offer is between one-to-three months.  During that time,
the average job seeker will complete between four-to-eight interviews per
position, including telephone interviews, before being offered a position.
    "Companies have become more thorough and cautious with their hiring
processes in an attempt to find quality candidates for each position," says
Bero.  "The length of time it takes to fill a position has elongated as many
organizations now require multi-stage interviews, job skills and psychological
assessments, drug tests, and background checks before an offer is made."
    To help job seekers make the most of the summer months, DBM offers the
following tips to gain momentum and increase opportunity:

     -- Think Temp-to-Perm   Many organizations hire temporary employees
        during the summer months to deal with surges in business and less
        staff due to employee vacations.  These temporary assignments can
        provide you with valuable job experience and possibly lead to full-
        time employment as regular operations begin once more in the fall.

     -- Network, Network, Network   Summer is a great time to network outside
        of traditional business situations in more relaxed social settings
        while still remaining focused on making business contacts.

     -- Show Off This Summer   Many managers are more willing to offer
        informal interviews during the summer, as a result of less demanding
        schedules. Make contact with the hiring managers for the positions you
        want.  They will know you are serious about finding a job if you
        contact them during what some believe to be traditional job search
        down time.  They will respect your tenacity.

     -- Take Personal Development Time   Take advantage of all opportunities
        to enhance skills and use resources to increase knowledge about
        companies you may be interested in pursuing.

     -- Thinking about Relocation -- Take a Vacation   If you are thinking
        about relocating to a new town, plan a vacation to that destination.
        While you are there, set up informational interviews with potential
        employers.

     -- If You Decide to Go, Go Wireless   There is no excuse for being
        "un-connected" while traveling this summer. Take advantage of wireless
        networks at retail establishments, computers at Internet cafes, and
        web access at hotels and motels.  Make time each day to check job
        boards, e-mail, and use other online job search tools even when on
        vacation.

     -- Always Be Ready To Make A Great Impression   You never know whom you
        might meet at a social summer venue.  Be prepared with business cards
        featuring your name, e-mail address, and contact numbers.  Have your
        resume updated and ready to forward when an opportunity arises.

    About DBM
    DBM ( http://www.dbm.com ) is a leading global human capital management
firm providing transition services to private and public companies,
not-for-profits and governments. With almost 40 years of experience creating
innovative career transition solutions, DBM annually guides more than 7000
organizations and 250,000 individuals through key transitions caused by
significant change events or by the dynamic ongoing employee changes which
impact business daily. DBM counsels organizations on aligning workforces with
business strategy after mergers, acquisitions and restructurings;
transitioning employees for increased speed to competency or improved
productivity; and outplacement planning and implementation. DBM consultants
also provide career transition and business coaching services to individual
clients seeking to get the most out of their personal career transitions. DBM
has 230 locations serving 85 countries and has partnered with 70 percent of
the Fortune 500 and 80 percent of the Global 500 companies.