Job seekers often wonder what the best time of year is to look for a job. Is there really a “best” time?
The short answer is yes — there are specific times of the year when you are more likely to find and get hired for jobs.
However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get hired for a job any time of year. You just need to be prepared and know how to make the most of your job search during different times.
Understanding seasonal job searching and the best times to apply for jobs can help you get a job no matter the time of year.
What’s the best time of year to find a job?
Studies show that the best time of year to find a job is January and February, early in the new year, when companies have fresh hiring budgets to spend.
While response times in January may be a little slow as people return from the holidays, February is the best month to get a job as everyone is back into their normal routines and ready to get serious about filing positions to complete important projects.
What’s the worst time of year to find a job?
Late November through December are typically the worst times of the year to find a job due to many hiring managers and employees being absent with seasonal holiday vacations. More so, many companies are at the end of their fiscal year and hiring budgets could be scarce.
Finding a job based on seasons:
Finding a job in Spring
The spring months, March, April, and May are traditionally another great time of year for job seekers.
Many employers have their hiring plans finalized by this time, so it’s a great opportunity to get your foot in the door and take advantage of any open positions that come up.
Finding a job in Summer
The summer months, June, July, and August may prove to be a bit more challenging for job seekers in their search efforts.
With school being out of session and many people taking vacations, it can be difficult to get a response from employers.
Finding a job in Fall
September and October can be another excellent time of year to find a job. As children go back to school, parents in management positions have time to focus on getting positions filled for projects they need to finish before the end of the year.
November hiring, however, tends to slow down as employers and hiring managers begin to focus on holiday plans and closing out the year.
Finding a job in Winter
As mentioned, December is generally a slower month for hiring as many people are closing out projects for the year and going on vacations.
However, as mentioned above, come January and February, employers are looking to fill positions for the new year and to spend their new fiscal year budgets.
How to get hired any time of year
1. Keep learning and upskilling
During your job search, it’s important to continue your personal and professional growth by learning new skills or expanding on ones you already have.
By continuing your professional education, you’re setting yourself up to qualify for more jobs and showing employers that you’re serious about staying current in your industry.
Connect with recruiters
Recruiters are great resources for job seekers and can be a useful ally in your search.
They can provide valuable insight and access to opportunities you might not find on your own and advocate for you throughout the interview process.
2. Follow industry leaders and job postings
Keeping an eye on industry leaders and job postings can help you stay ahead of job openings and trends.
Following the right people and organizations on social media, subscribing to newsletters, and regularly checking job boards are all great ways to get information about potential opportunities as they come up.
3. Network and attend events
Networking is a powerful tool when it comes to job searching and can open doors that would otherwise stay closed.
Attending industry events, meetups, virtual conferences, and other networking opportunities are excellent ways to make connections and learn more about potential opportunities.
4. Keep your resume up-to-date
Having a resume that is current and tailored to specific job postings can help you stand out from the crowd.
Make sure your resume is up-to-date, contains keywords relevant to the industry, and focuses on achievements rather than duties.
5. Stay consistent with applications
Consistency is crucial when it comes to job searching and applying for jobs, and while certain times of the year are better, searching for jobs consistently throughout the year is key.
Make sure you follow up with employers, stick to schedules, and keep track of your applications so that you don’t miss any important deadlines or opportunities.
6. Expand your search
Sometimes when searching for a new job, we can have a very narrow view of what that job should look like.
But by expanding your search to include jobs you might not typically apply for or for contract jobs, you can increase your chances of getting hired.
Consider applying for jobs in a different industry or department — or consider short and long-term contract jobs or contract-to-hire jobs.
What time of the year should you look for a new job?
The best time of year to look for a job depends on a variety of factors, but understanding seasonal job searching can help you maximize your chances of getting hired.
Job seekers should also be aware that there are opportunities available year-round and should take advantage of them whenever they can.
By continuing to learn and upskill, connecting with recruiters, following industry leaders, attending events, and expanding your search, you’ll be in a better position to get hired at any time throughout the year.
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