As if being without a job isn’t bad enough, the summer months complicate matters. Typically, June, July and August are the slowest hiring months of the year, frustrating job seekers to no end.

What’s to blame for this apparent halt in recruitment activity? Vacations are the biggest culprit. Most people go on vacation during the summer months while the sun is shining, or while the kids are out of school for the summer. Unfortunately, these 'people' often include hiring managers or someone responsible to make a final hiring decision. Many job seekers find themselves painfully awaiting word about an interview while hiring managers are away on vacation.

Also, people generally shift into a lower gear during the summer. Workers enjoy long weekends, especially around holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day. These 'long weekends' can wreak havoc for a job seeker in the hunt. Many firms - especially East Coast companies - put into place 'summer hours'; they may close the doors earlier than normal on Fridays, or may even close shop completely.

Then there is the budget issue. Many companies start the budget process for the following year in June. Every department is responsible for confirming their piece of the budget - including human resources - so during this time period many recruiters are hard pressed to finalize their plans for the following year. Many times, positions that were approved in the current year may be postponed and/or reneged in the next year’s budget. How many times have you heard someone say that the job is on hold pending budget approval?

So, does this mean you should stop job surfing all together and head to the beach for some real surfing in the sun?

The obvious answer is no, don’t stop searching. Try working with the current instead of against it. We offer the following tips to help with your job search:

1. Spend a significant amount of time searching. In fact, act like it’s your full-time job to find one. Work your network, check the Internet and newspapers, and send out resumes to jobs for which you are qualified. But make sure you also give yourself some time off. Try to take off at least one day a week, and do something else to keep you sane and help you enjoy the summer season.

2. Network, network, network. This is a must any time of the year. Try to attend at least one networking event each week. If you don’t want to go, go anyway! Tip - if you can afford it - attend industry association meetings/luncheons (i.e. PRSA, IABC) that have a higher attendance cost ($25+). You might find fewer competing job seekers at these events.

3. Have personal "business cards" printed that include a tagline about what you do. I recently met with a woman who handed me a card that said "Government and Corporate Affairs". Her card still sticks out in my mind, and I know exactly where to turn if I need to find someone with government affairs experience. Most of the business cards I collect from people have no indication of specialty - so unless I have their resume on hand - I know I won’t remember their area of expertise.

4. Get regular exercise. It will help you relieve stress and sleep better. It also kills time and gives you something productive to do.

5. Spend time with family and friends. Many people have worked 24-7 for years at the expense of time at home with family or with loved ones. Now that you have a bit of downtime, use this season to reconsider why you work. It may be a tough job market, but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a job you won’t be happy with.

6. Volunteer. If you can afford it, you may want to consider volunteering. You can spend time helping out an organization with their PR efforts when you normally wouldn’t have time to do. Volunteering is not only good for the soul, but it can introduce you to a whole new set of contacts and can even lead to a new job.

7. View everyone as a potential lead. This includes friends, family and previous co-workers. Spread the word generously, and don’t be shy about asking friends for HR contacts or leads for informational interviews even if a company is not hiring. Aggressiveness and persistence pays off.

8. Lastly - stay positive! While the process may be discouraging at times, you will do yourself a huge favor by remaining optimistic. People pick up on energy - good or bad - very quickly. If you have a 'good' energy about you, you’d be surprised how many doors can open for you.

Happy surfing!

Allison May is Director of Marketing for Workinpr.com, the strategic recruiting and career resource for the PR industry. Workinpr.com (www.workinpr.com) was named 'Best of the Net' by About.com, and named a top job site by WEDDLE’s and CareerXRoads for three consecutive years.