With the start of international and Swiss school holidays, you notice fewer people on the trains, and motivation to work is generally lower than usual. This is when to take overtime compensation, go home at decent hours, and take a break from the country for a while. It’s also time to jump into a lake near you every evening after work. 

Over the years, I have learned that everything in Zurich is cyclical, like a female. As an entrepreneur, I needed to learn to adjust my work schedule to the downtimes (as most expats leave the city), and this year it seems that the heat wave has arrived before the traditional Swiss Summer Slump.

Let’s pull out the deck chair, parasol, and sunscreen and relax with a glass of rosé and a good crime novel set in the Bretagne. Also, you can use this period to pick up the slack of your job search strategy with new energy and a playful attitude.

1 – Understand the current Job Market

Many job-seekers decide to take the summer off, and at the same time, recruiters are trying to fill temporary and urgent roles. Therefore, you are at a considerable advantage if you continue to build professional relationships in Zurich and beyond. Zurich is one of the most competitive job markets in the world, and at the moment we seem to find more highly skilled professionals (especially GenX) in the “unemployment” sessions.  Officially, the unemployment rate is 2.8% though. So, in comparison to many other countries in the world, you should find a job if you work on your professional connections and have a clear brand and profile.

2 – Work the Summer Schedule

Commit to the summer schedule by working with us via the HireMeExpress online course. We provide you with the videos, templates, weekly summaries, and homework for the HireMeExpress program. We also encourage you to plan your time to spend more time outside (you’ll need that extra vitamin D in a few months!). Starting this week, we recommend that you work on a unique “Swiss Summer Slump Schedule” from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Then, you can spend the rest of the day in the “Badi” of your choice, reading, listening to podcasts, and enjoying life! 

3 – Sign up for Adam Brody’s Workshop

When I want to achieve bigger and better things, one strategy always works for me: Power Outfits. You want a new suit or other power outfit in fresh colors and high quality for that interview, pitch, or panel discussion. So get yourself an excellent new suit, signature piece, or basics from Adam Brody in Zurich. As it might be too hot for you to go shopping, I am planning a special event for you on Saturday, 6 September 2025.

4 – Enjoy a Beauty Ritual or Wellness Massage

Another short-term investment in the M&M Plan is that you plan time to pamper yourself. Georgina Georgiu runs an English-speaking day spa in Zurich. The Pure Beauty Spa team is highly professional, and the products are of excellent quality. Mention “Angie” in your booking. You might get a surprise. Alternatively, book a massage with Stephanie Suter at Din Momänt. 

5 – Have Your Headshot Taken

Consider revisiting the importance of a personal brand. If you are looking for a photographer, we recommend Carmen Sirboiu. All our members and clients are eligible for a unique discount for a Premium LinkedIn and Personal Branding photo session with Carmen. Using the code ‘Angie‘, you receive the session at a special price of 180 CHF (regular value: 250 CHF). https://carmen.photo/personal-branding-zurich/

6 – Build More Professional Relationships

Summer is an ideal time to build new relationships and reconnect with existing contacts. Most busy people might feel less pressure than usual. Please encourage them to enjoy the nice weather and spend time outside. So why don’t you take them for ice cream in the sunshine after work? Why don’t you request an early morning walk by the lake while enjoying a cold coffee? A personalized request is vital here. Remember the 4 P’s and 3 F’s.

7 – Practice German and Prepare for an Exam

You have now been in Switzerland long enough to have at least started with German lessons. Ensure you have one exam in your pocket and the certificate in your application file. While the summer is a great time to enjoy your time off, it also has rainy days. Work with Yvonne Herrmann-Teubel for a trial class and work on your German. Another great option to improve your German 🇩🇪 (or any other language) is through German podcasts.

8 – Enjoy a Holiday or Home Leave with Your Family

Summer is also the best time to be away from Switzerland. You will probably be able to catch up, and in emergencies, companies or prospects may also contact you via video call. Charge your batteries and leave the city for at least two weeks. This is also the best time to go on extended home leave and see your extended family members, high school friends, and everyone else you have neglected over the last six months in your protestant Swiss lifestyle. 

Do you have questions on how to handle the Swiss Summer Slump? Email me via angela@globalpeopletransitions.com.

🌟 Struggling to Land Your Dream Job in Zurich? You’re Not Alone! 🌟

Do you have a Swiss work permit and a local address, but no one’s calling you back? The competitive job market, high language requirements, and perfectionist expectations in Switzerland can make the process feel impossible.

But here’s the secret: It’s not you—it’s the system.

🔍 Did you know?
✔️ 4 out of 5 positions in Switzerland are filled through “Vitamin B” (short for Beziehung, meaning relationship in German) and are never posted publicly.
✔️ Hiring managers often seek “mini-me” candidates—biases and all.
✔️ English isn’t an official language, and translating your skills into “Swiss recruiter speak” is critical.

You can overcome all of this.

💡 In our FREE HireMeExpress Guide, you’ll learn:

• 🔑 Top 10 Tips for landing a job in the German-speaking world
• 📝 21 Checkpoints to create a standout Swiss-style resume
• 💻 The Best Job Boards for expats

This guide is packed with strategies to help you enter the “Circle of Trust” and land the role you deserve.

✍️ Download your free guide today and take the first step toward a successful career in Switzerland: 

Let’s turn the #ValleyOfTears into a path to success! 🌈