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

Summer is slowly arriving in Luxembourg, much to everyone’s delight. But with it comes a dip in motivation among some job seekers. Many believe that recruiters are on vacation and that applying for a job is pointless. Well, you might be wrong.

Applying for a job before summer can be a strategic move, using this “slack” period to land a job.

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

Increase in Job Openings in the Summer

Contrary to popular belief, the number of job openings doesn’t drop in the summer. Some industries even see an increase in hiring during June, July, and August. This is particularly true in sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and retail.

Seasonal businesses do indeed need extra staff to meet the demands of the tourist season. More job openings mean more opportunities for job seekers.

In addition, many companies post job openings for September as early as July to prepare for the start of the school year. They use the summer months to recruit and train their new employees so they’re ready to start as soon as the school year begins.

By applying during this slow period, you position yourself ahead of other candidates for open 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 openings does not decrease during the summer. Recruiters post their job listings online before people leave for vacation. They anticipate their needs for September and find a backlog of applications to process upon their 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, manufacturing, services), hiring 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 half of August. Elsewhere, activity slows down but does not stop.

It’s also important to note that some companies in Luxembourg finalize their budgets during the summer. They then determine their future hiring needs. For some HR professionals, hiring activity resumes only after these decisions are made.

Furthermore, few people take more than two weeks of vacation in the summer. Keep in mind that the legal vacation entitlement in Luxembourg is five weeks, with exceptions for certain sectors such as banking. If in doubt, it’s best to take a chance and submit your applications during the summer . At best, recruiters will find your application letter when they return from their summer vacation.

Keep in mind that in Luxembourg, the summer period runs from mid-July to mid-September (the dates of the summer school holidays).

Stand out by applying during the summer

In the summer, the number of applications drops, especially in July and August. This makes it the perfect time to stand out from the crowd. Fewer competitors = more visibility.

In fact, there is a drop in traffic on job boards between April and September. On moovijob.com, for example, traffic drops by 11% in June compared to the annual average. Most job seekers refrain from applying during the summer, thinking that hiring slows down or that employers are 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 recruitment method. So apply during the summer to increase your chances of being seen.

In Luxembourg, applications pick up again mainly in September, coinciding with recruitment events such as job fairs. Candidates then flock to look for jobs, so it’s not necessarily the right time for you.

Flexibility for Job Interviews in the Summer

If you’re a student, you’ll find it easier to schedule interviews during 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 true 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 the companies that interest you. This extra preparation can help you present yourself as a strong candidate—all of which are assets during your job interview.

Our tips for applying for jobs in Luxembourg

Summer is a good time to update your CVs and online profiles. On LinkedIn, recruiters are looking for profiles even during the holidays.

Including keywords in your profile and resume

To give yourself the best chance, don’t forget to include certain keywords on your LinkedIn profile and CV databases:

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

In fact, algorithms initially screen candidates based on the presence or absence of certain keywords. Including the keywords found in job postings in your resume will increase your chances of making it onto the shortlist of selected candidates.

Also, be sure to have your professional qualifications recognized as soon as possible by using the option to validate your degrees and work experience, to give your application a boost.

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 via email?

It’s important to know that in companies, 40% of emails arrive in professionals’ inboxes in the morning and get lost in the flood of messages. 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 way, you’ll get ahead of the other resumes for the week, which will then pile up on their desk.

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

Unsolicited Applications

Don’t overlook unsolicited applications either. Since they receive fewer of these, recruiters may be more responsive to them. Include a short, professional, and personalized message when sending your resume.

Take a course or do a summer review

Not getting any responses? Take advantage of the quiet period to upskill. There are many resources available to help you develop your skills, such as MOOCs or certified training programs. Also consider coaching to overcome specific challenges and use an action plan to achieve your career goals. This might also be the perfect time to take stock of your career path. Many tools exist, such as Ikigai, for example.

Summer: A Real Opportunity for Employment

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a job in Luxembourg, summer is a great time to send out your applications. Far from being a slow season, it can actually be a springboard for job seekers in Luxembourg. Less competition, more time to apply thoroughly, and recruiters who are always on the lookout: all signs point to success.

One final tip to ensure your visibility in the job market: remember to keep your CVs up to date online on social media, as well as in CV databases. That’s how your CV will rise to the top of the list. Be active on job boards and LinkedIn, and stay ready for an interview at any time.

Applying for a job during the summer may seem unusual, but it’s actually an ideal time to explore the opportunities the Luxembourg job market has to offer. Also find out how to work in Luxembourg as a foreigner and maximize your chances of professional integration.