No vacation for job seekers.

• Position: Job hunting in summer season

The summer months can be an opportune time to turn up the heat on your employment search, maintains Max Messmer, author of Job Hunting For Dummies and chairman of Accountemps, a Menlo Park, Calif.-based specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance, and bookkeeping professionals. "Many people slow their job search efforts during vacation season, which may leave fewer applicants for available positions."

This time of year also can offer more occasions for networking. "The pace at many businesses is slower during the summer and, as a result, managers may be more willing to grant informational interviews. Even if these individuals aren't hiring currently, they can be resources for future leads," advises Messmer.

In addition, the summer season can mean more openings for temporary positions. "As employees take time off, managers frequently fill the gaps with interim professionals. This is an opportunity for job seekers to get a foot in the door and showcase their talents:'

Messmer offers the following tips for a summer job search:

Do not ease up. It is tempting to take time off from looking for work during the warm-weather months, but this is precisely when an opportunity may arise. Continuing to give the search 100%...