Timing is everything, especially when it comes to job hunting. Whether you’re seeking to advance your career, move into a new industry, or find a better work-life balance, knowing when to focus your job search can make a significant difference. But what exactly is the best time of year to look for a job? Let’s break it down by season and hiring trends.
New Year, New Job: January and February
The beginning of the year is arguably the best time to look for a job. This is because many companies will have fresh budgets, new goals, and open positions to fill after the holiday slowdown.
This period sees a spike in job postings, especially in industries like tech, finance and marketing. Additionally, candidates tend to wait until after the new year to begin their search, giving proactive applicants an advantage.
March to May
As the year progresses, hiring activity remains strong. Spring is when companies focus on filling open roles, and there’s a sense of urgency to complete recruitment processes before the summer.
March, April and May are also excellent times to network, with conferences and industry events in full swing. Companies are still working off their annual budget, which means they’re more likely to be eager to make strategic hires before mid-year reviews.
Summer Slowdown: June to August
Summer is traditionally seen as a quieter time in recruitment. With many employees (including hiring managers) taking annual leave, decisions around hiring can be delayed, and job postings tend to decrease. However, this period can still be valuable, especially for those targeting industries that don’t follow a typical corporate calendar, such as retail, hospitality, or education.
While it may not be the busiest time for job hunting, the summer slowdown can work in your favour if you’re prepared. With fewer candidates actively applying, your applications might stand out more.
Autumn Push: September to November
After the summer, hiring typically picks up again in September.
Companies refocus on meeting their year-end goals and filling any remaining vacancies. Recruitment teams are back from holidays, and there’s a renewed urgency to complete hiring before the holiday season begins.
This time of year is ideal for making strategic moves. Many businesses want to finalise hires before the end of the year, so demand for talent can be high. If you’re considering a new role, now is a great time to capitalise on opportunities.
December
December is typically the slowest time for job hunting, as companies wind down operations as Christmas and the holidays approach. Many hiring managers are focused on finishing projects and preparing for year-end reviews rather than recruiting. However, there can still be some last-minute hiring for roles that need to be filled urgently.
While December isn’t the busiest time for job seekers, it can be a strategic month to network and prepare for the coming year. Reach out to contacts, polish your CV, and get ready to hit the ground running in January.
The best time to look for a job largely depends on your industry, the roles you're targeting, and your individual circumstances. However, January to May and September to November are generally the best times to maximise your job-hunting efforts.
By understanding these hiring trends, you can strategically plan your job search, ensuring that your applications land at the right time for maximum impact.
If you are looking for some help with your job search, we have a team of expert tech recruitment consultants here at Reperio! Reach out to us today to find your next tech career move!
(Written by Elise Ralph)