Many job seekers, assuming that hiring slows down during the summer months, take time off from their searches or become less aggressive in pursuing them. Ayers’ Career Transition Services group reports that candidates have continued to land throughout the summer. Following are some of the many examples.

After 19 years with a major energy company, a financial executive with a strong background in global accounting, compliance and SEC reporting was given an enhanced package. Continuing to work in his profession was important to this individual, but his age—mid-50s—was a concern.  Working closely with his Ayers' consultant to develop a strong campaign strategy and a resumé that showcased his accounting expertise and the value he could add to a new organization was critical. So was improving his interview skills after so many years with one employer.  Contacted by a recruiter with a great opportunity in a major rating organization, the candidate used Ayers’ Internet Resource Center to research the individuals he was going to meet, as well as the organization. He made an excellent impression during the four-phase process, which included interviews with 15 people and submitting writing samples. The executive landed the position within three months, close to matching his previous compensation. He is very excited about his new career direction, which involves using his expertise in evaluating energy and utility companies.

A senior IT professional, who was downsized after more than two decades with one financial services firm, was reluctant to access her network for her job search. After attending an Ayers' networking seminar and crafting her elevator speech with her consultant, she decided to attend a reunion hosted by her previous employer. Reconnecting with several former colleagues at the event led her to formulate a strategic networking plan that resulted in two exceptional offers in three months. She is now Director of IT at a hedge fund.

A downsized business analyst used his time in outplacement at Ayers to explore professional opportunities in a new city. By conducting extensive research using Ayers’ proprietary databases and taking advantage of the consulting and support services in the firm’s CPI partner office in Boston, he was able to land a similar position at a major consulting firm within two months.

A candidate with a senior-level background in banking operations uncovered and interviewed for several attractive prospects with major financial organizations, but decision-making was delayed. In the interim, he took on consulting work identified through professional colleagues. At a gathering of “alumni” of his former employer, he reconnected with a former colleague with whom he had interviewed at a prospect company. It turned out that other positions—even more closely related to the candidate’s skills—had recently opened up. An offer was quickly made and accepted.

After leads from online job boards resulted in several false starts with recruiters, a financial analyst took his Ayers consultant’s advice to work his network more aggressively. As a result, he found a connection into his dream employer: the NASD. Fully prepared to take a pay cut for the opportunity, he found himself in the happy situation of being offered a 10 percent salary increase.

Candidates’ names are withheld to respect their privacy. To arrange to speak with any of these candidates regarding their job-search experiences, contact Doug O’Connor at doug.oconnor@ayers.com.