The summer hiring slump is in effect, and July numbers back it up. While unemployment dropped from 7.6 to 7.4, job growth was slow. It’s long been known that summertime is a tough time in recruiting – both hiring managers and potential job seekers tend to take a vacation – literally. But with hiring slowed there’s no better time to ramp up your network profile and build your talent pipeline. There are candidates out there, and your messages have even more opportunity to shine.

Are your hands biased? Maybe. Research from the University of Iowa shows that interviewers often assess a candidate by their handshake, ranking it above dress or physical appearance. The problem? Culture and gender can influence handshakes. A word to the wise for interviewers: don’t judge a book by its shake.

Using LinkedIn as your primary recruiting tool? Maybe not the best idea if security clearance is a requirement. A recent article highlights how one dating coach targeted top secret clearance holders on LinkedIn. While he stopped short of asking for classified information he was able to get access to at least one individual’s bank account and discover sensitive office locations and other details. Security-conscious candidates (and those most in-demand), are increasingly leery of unsolicited requests from anonymous profiles.

Who’s got the cash for R&D these days? The Pentagon’s acquisition chief is urging defense contractors to continue their research and development business even with a strained bottom line. It’s a tough sell, but when contract dollar start flowing again, those who have taken the time to innovate will reap the benefits.

Who’s Hiring

The DOD may not be hiring, but DOD civilian employees can breathe a temporary sigh of relief that the furlough days have officially been reduced from eleven to six. But while some professionals at DoD may no longer have one day each week to look for new work, many are still cautious of what 2014 holds. Looking for candidates with government experience? Begin reaching out now.

Who’s Firing

Lockheed Martin announced plans to lay off 114 employees in Salina, N.Y., as a part of an overall plan to trim 367 employees nationwide. Layoffs are mostly engineering and program management professionals. If you’re looking for those professionals, keep an eye opening for N.Y. area professionals willing to relocate.

Who’s Moving

Despite sequestration and budget cuts, DynCorp is staying in the D.C. area in order to remain close to customers; however, they are consolidating their four Northern Virginia offices into one location in Tysons Corner. The company estimates about 36 jobs will transition to its Texas location, consolidating some of its back-office tasks.

Who’s Acquiring

Accenture is acquiring ASM Research. ASM Research specialized in advanced information services and solutions to U.S. defense and federal health clients. Accenture is making a strategic move with this acquisition into the military health market.

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Jillian Hamilton has worked in a variety of Program Management roles for multiple Federal Government contractors. She has helped manage projects in training and IT. She received her Bachelors degree in Business with an emphasis in Marketing from Penn State University and her MBA from the University of Phoenix.