For some recent grads, the concept of getting a job is simple. They browse listings, submit their applications, and wait for responses from hiring managers. However, if that process doesn’t result in a shiny new job after a few weeks, they begin to wonder why they haven’t heard back from more employers. 

One factor to consider is when they’re applying for jobs. That’s right—the time of year you’re job hunting may play a role in determining not only how many employers are hiring but also how actively they’re pursuing applicants for open positions. Below, we dive into the most (and least) ideal times of year to apply for jobs and offer some tips to help you get hired no matter the season. 

When Is the Best Time to Apply for Jobs? 

While you should feel motivated to submit applications any time of year, certain months may prove more fruitful than others. Some of the best times of year to apply for positions include: 

January and February 

The first two months of the year are known by many as the best months to get hired. Why, you ask? There are several possible reasons: 

  • The start of the year often provides the push some people need to switch roles or quit their current positions in favor of finding employment elsewhere. This frees up roles for other job seekers. 
  • In the fall, many companies review their budget for the following year. Ahead of the holidays, hiring managers use that information to post job openings in December to fill those positions in January and February. 
  • By the end of January, most employees have returned from vacation and work resumes its usual pace. This gives HR the chance to finally post vacant positions. 

September and October 

The arrival of fall brings more than just cooler temperatures and autumn-scented candles. September and October also carry the possibility of more open job vacancies. This could be due to a few different factors: 

  • Like January and February, employers and hiring managers are often returning from vacations around this time. They then begin to focus on what’s ahead for the business, such as filling roles that opened up over the summer. 
  • These months create urgency to fill open positions as hiring managers anticipate the upcoming holiday season, which tends to see fewer job applications due to people’s focus on holiday-related activities. 

Do Employers Have “Lull” Months in Hiring Activity? 

In December, the work environment tends to be more relaxed, with employees operating at a more leisurely pace. This is typically a result of the exciting and festive celebrations that occur during this time of year. Many employees use their paid time off for traveling and spending time with family, which in turn makes December one of the slower hiring periods for employers. 

The summer months of June, July, and August may also prove slightly more challenging for job seekers. Like November and December, children are often out of school on vacation, making family vacations a high priority for many of the managers hiring new employees. 

Tips for Getting Hired Year-Round 

While employers might have their “preferred” hiring times throughout the year, there’s no one-size-fits-all guidebook to abide by. That said, if you feel qualified for a role (or even if you don’t), there’s no harm in applying no matter the time of year. Plus, with the following pointers, you’ll be ready to apply when the role you’ve been waiting for unexpectedly appears in your job search one day: 

Tailor Your Resume 

While it may feel like a lot of up-front work, tailoring your resume to each job you apply for can showcase the specific qualities and experience you possess that align with what each employer is currently seeking. To target your resume for each application, carefully read the job listing to locate the skills they’re looking for, determine which of those you possess, and add those abilities to your resume. 

Think Outside the Box for Relevant Skills and Experience 

If you’re a recent grad or are changing careers, you might not have much experience related to the jobs you’re applying for—and that’s okay. Instead, you can include abilities that are most relevant for the job. 

For example, if you’re applying for a job in marketing but have no prior experience, you can highlight other relevant skills or responsibilities you’ve had in past jobs, like proofreading, collaborating with colleagues, or helping a local business manage their social media accounts. 

Apply, Apply, and Apply Some More 

We get it. Sometimes, you read the experience required for a position and scroll right past because you don’t feel qualified. According to the Harvard Business Review, you’re not alone. 41% of women and 46% of men avoid applying to certain positions because they don’t feel they meet the qualifications. However, we strongly urge you to consider applying regardless. It could show the hiring manager you’re proactive and driven. They may even reach out regarding the role you applied for or suggest a different job for which they think you’d be a perfect fit. 

Earn the Skills You Need to Get a Job Any Time of the Year 

To become one of the top candidates for your dream job, there are a few aspects that can increase your chances of receiving a call from the hiring manager: 

  • Come equipped with the skills listed on the job posting. 
  • List a degree from a reputable university on your resume. 
  • Have the tenacity and confidence to apply to the jobs you’re qualified for—and some of the ones you’re not. 

At UTPB, we offer many of our undergraduate and graduate programs completely online, so you can complete them while you continue working in your current role. Don’t waste another minute! Browse our list of online programs and apply to the one that aligns with your professional aspirations. 

Sources: 
https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4817-best-season-job.html
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-get-job-youre-not-qualified-for
https://hbr.org/2014/08/why-women-dont-apply-for-jobs-unless-theyre-100-qualified