Job Market Shutdown

Episode 288 - How to Job Hunt During the Mid-Year Slowdown

If you're a job seeker heading into the mid-year period, particularly the June–July school holidays, you’ve likely heard the familiar refrain: “No one hires this time of year.” The job boards quiet down, recruiters take leave, and it’s easy to believe your career ambitions should be put on hold.

In this continuation of my conversation with leadership expert Michelle Redfern (Click here for Part 1), we unpack what it really means to look for a job during seasonal slowdowns, and why this mid-year window can offer a strategic advantage for experienced professionals.

Whether you’ve recently been made redundant, are voluntarily stepping away from a role, or just rethinking your next move, this episode is packed with practical insights for navigating this often-overlooked career season.

The Myth of the Job Market Shutdown

One of the most common concerns I hear from clients during school holiday periods is, “Should I even bother job searching now? I might as well wait until August- September?” The short answer: yes, but do it strategically.

While it’s true that some companies pause recruitment during mid-year breaks, that doesn’t mean hiring stops. Many executive-level decisions are planned around fiscal year transitions, and new projects and leadership restructures often start taking shape right before or after July. If you’re prepared, you can position yourself ahead of the curve.

Michelle and I discussed the anxiety that creeps in around these quieter periods. Financial pressure, identity concerns, and the social discomfort of discussing job loss can weigh heavily on professionals. That’s why managing your mindset is just as important as managing your CV.

Emotional Intelligence for the Mid-Year Moment

At this time of year, job seekers often face two invisible battles:

Financial stress: Uncertainty about income can create anxiety, even if your finances are secure for now.
Social discomfort: Repeated questions about your work situation at family events can be emotionally exhausting.

To navigate this, I encourage clients to develop narrative flexibility:

With family and friends, a simple statement like “I’m planning my next career step after finishing a contract” is sufficient.
With recruiters and peers, share your vision clearly: “I’m targeting leadership roles in purpose-driven sectors where I can lead growth and transformation.”

Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from this episode is this: your career is a long game. Being temporarily between roles doesn’t diminish your talent or worth. Michelle and I discussed how difficult it can be to explain your career shift to people who care but don’t fully understand the change you’re making. Own your story. Frame it with confidence. This is your professional evolution, not your ending.

What to Expect in the Second Half of the Year

Many organizations begin reshuffling teams or launching new initiatives post-July. Executive roles open up as fiscal strategies shift. If you’ve laid the groundwork in May and June, you’ll be front-of-mind when that activity ramps up. Use this time to refresh your professional materials, deepen your network, and strengthen your personal brand.

The middle of the year is not a dead zone for hiring, it’s a strategic zone. With the right mindset and preparation, you can use this time to gain clarity, rebuild momentum, and step confidently into your next opportunity. This episode with Michelle Redfern provides both reassurance and a game plan for navigating a job search during the mid-year season. If you're job hunting, or simply open to the right opportunity, this is the moment to act deliberately and strategically.