Summer break isn’t just for beach reads and iced coffee (though we’re fans of both). Whether you’re a student on break, a teacher off for the season, or a professional enjoying a slower work pace, summer is the perfect time to do a little light lifting on your career goals.
The best part? You don’t need hours of free time to make meaningful progress. Here are three easy ways to strengthen your career in 10 minutes or less – yes, even poolside.
1. Refresh Your Resume Summary
Summer’s a great time to take stock of what’s new. Did you lead a project this year? Complete a certification? Try updating your resume’s summary section to reflect your latest wins.
Just a few lines that capture your current focus and strengths can go a long way. Think of it as your professional “elevator pitch” that’s quick, clear, and confidence-boosting.
2. Ask for a Quick LinkedIn Recommendation
Here’s an easy summer challenge: Send one message. That’s it.
Reach out to a colleague, classmate, or former manager and ask for a brief LinkedIn recommendation. Keep it casual: “Hey, I’m updating my profile over summer break. Would you be up for writing a quick recommendation?”
LinkedIn recs add instant credibility and help your profile stand out when you’re not actively job searching but still open to future opportunities.
3. Update Your Skills Section
Even if you’re not in full-on job hunt mode, keeping your skills section fresh can help you show up in more recruiter searches and keep you ready for anything. Think of all the tools, platforms, or certifications you’ve picked up this year – don’t let them go unlisted.
If you’ve taken a course, attended a conference, or picked up a new tech skill during the year, now’s the time to log it.
Tiny Tweaks, Big Payoff
Summer break is a great time to press pause, recharge, and set yourself up for long-term success. These resume and profile tweaks take just a few minutes, but the impact can last far beyond the sunny season.
And if you want expert help getting your resume in shape before fall hiring picks up, we’ve got you.
Match with a Resume Rockstar from the Upword Resume team and get personalized support through a one-on-one phone consult. It’s perfect for tackling your resume while sipping something cold.
Let’s make your summer career refresh easy, impactful, and maybe even fun.
