Summer is here. The days are long, the city is buzzing with events, and laid back chatter flows from outdoor patios. It’s getting harder to focus on the job search, even more so when employers seem to be posting less jobs and taking longer to reply to applications. It’s tempting to take a break and restart your job search in September. But is that a good idea?

Not necessarily.

One reason to continue job seeking is precisely because job seekers often opt out of the job search in summer: competition for jobs is reduced and you might be able to snag a good opportunities.

Another reason is that jobs do continue to be posted. Some employers simply need to hire regardless of the season. Often hiring is urgent and employers are quick to grab the next available candidate.

Sometimes, employers are even beginning to line up opportunities for the December holidays.

Another advantage of job searching in summer is that employers are often more relaxed and receptive to chatting about what the next year may bring. Use this opportunity to connect with your targeted employers to gather information about the company, upcoming job requirements. and their hiring process. Having this information before jobs are posted gives you an edge over other job seekers. You will know what jobs are coming up, when they are accepting applications, the hiring process, and who is doing the hiring. If you are lucky and resourceful, you may even secure someone on the inside who can pass your resume on for you. People have a little more time to chat and may be open to longer discussions on potential opportunities.

However, you don’t necessarily have to continue job search at the same pace. Everyone needs some time off to relax, regroup, and recharge. Just don’t stop. You may miss out on some great opportunities. So, use this time of year to your advantage. After all, this is your job search and you will get out of it what you put in.