Job Search in Summer – Hit or Miss?

Summer. The time of year when diaries fill with holidays, inboxes slow down, and the industry seems to collectively exhale.

But when it comes to your career in lubricants, should you hit pause too?

Not so fast, say our expert delivery consultants at ABN Resource. In fact, summer could be your secret advantage.

We asked our in-house experts to weigh in on the trends they’re seeing and why now could be your moment to move.

Less Competition, More Opportunity

“Many professionals assume hiring stalls in summer — but that’s a myth,” says Sabrina. “Decision-makers still have targets to hit and talent gaps to fill. They’re still very much focused on hitting key hiring requirements.”

In Europe, Sabrina sees niche technical roles and leadership positions remaining active year-round. “If you’re a senior technical specialist or a manager with industry experience, your expertise is in demand now.”

Her tip? Use summer to reconnect with your network, refresh your CV, and speak with a recruiter about what’s happening about the job market.

Summer Moves Set You Up for a Strong Q4

In the U.S., Kate sees strategic hiring continuing strong through the summer, particularly for roles in marketing, commercial strategy, and business development.

“Companies want people in place by Q3 or Q4 to deliver results before year-end. If you’re thinking about a job change, acting now gives you a head start.”

Kate also stresses that a job search doesn’t have to begin with being unhappy — it can start with curiosity.

“Many of the leaders we place weren’t actively looking. They were open to a conversation, and that opened a door to a great career opportunity they didn’t know was there.”

She encourages professionals to think long-term: “Summer gives you space to reflect. Are you still growing? Still motivated? Still excited about your goals?”

Her insight? With discreet search mandates increasing, she notes, “You may be a perfect fit for a role that hasn’t even been advertised yet.”

Behind the Scenes, Summer is Active

While headlines might focus on seasonal slowdowns, Kris Varley’s role is to look deeper — tracking hiring patterns and industry sentiment.

“What we consistently see is that summer is productive. The hiring cycle may shift, but it doesn’t stop — especially not in the executive and leadership space.”

“There’s also less competition,” Kris notes. “Because fewer candidates are in motion, those who engage with us now often stand out faster and secure more focused attention from hiring teams.”

Her key takeaway? “Don’t wait for a ‘perfect time’—it’s often when things seem quiet that the best opportunities surface.”

So, Is Summer Job Searching a Hit or Miss?

• Hit, if you want to beat the September surge.
• Hit, if you’re open to confidential, career-elevating roles.
• Hit, if you want to reflect, reset, and refocus with expert support.

At ABN Resource, we support senior professionals across the lubricants industry with career moves. Whether you’re actively exploring or just want to understand the market, our consultants in Europe, the USA, and globally are ready to help.

Reach out for a confidential chat with Sabrina and Kate and make this summer work for your future.