Happy New Year from everyone here at Seven!
We’re back into the swing of things and feeling excited for 2020, not least because January and February are two of the busiest months for recruitment.
If you’re looking to secure your dream role in 2020, read our guide to recruitment cycles and how you can turn the new year rush to your advantage.
Why are January and February the best months to apply for a job?
Of course, every sector is different and has its own patterns but, on the whole, January and February are the best months to start job hunting.
There are several reasons for this recruitment rush. Firstly, January usually sees the implementation of new budgets, which has new hires at the top of most companies’ list of priorities.
Secondly, workers are more likely to leave their jobs in January and February than they are before the holiday period – freeing roles up for job hunters. December usually brings bonuses that existing employees won’t want to miss out on, and they don’t want to be out of work just before Christmas. Most employers expect this and set aside January and February to refill these roles.
The start of the new year also brings a fresh mindset to employers. With a relaxing holiday break behind them, most key staff are unlikely to take a lot of time off over January and February. Instead, they are looking forward to the new year and how they can expand and improve their existing teams. This means that the hiring process can move a lot more quickly and smoothly in the early months of the year, making it a much easier and less stressful process for you.
What about other times of the year?
Not quite ready to launch your job hunt just yet? Don’t panic. January and February are great times to start job seeking but they’re not the only times.
Employers tend to focus on discovering upcoming graduates in spring, so, if this is you, March, April, and May might be better for getting your CV out there.
The Autumn months can also be good – employers are fresh from summer holidays and looking to use up any remaining budgets before the new year.
June, July, and August can be quiet and slow for recruitment as those responsible for hiring take time off for their summer breaks. However, the summer can be a fantastic time for networking instead, as employers are more relaxed and open to spending time on enquiries.
How can you turn the recruitment cycle to your advantage?
Now that you’re a bit more familiar with the general recruitment cycle, here are some top tips for turning it to your advantage.
- Know your industry – Remember that the recruitment cycle is only a general trend and that patterns might be different in your sector. For example, if you’re looking for jobs in education, the early summer may actually be your busiest time, as schools, colleges, and universities focus on hiring for the new term.
- Be ready to go – With everyone well-rested and keen to dive into the new year, recruitment can move fast in the January rush. Prepare for the hiring process to move a little more quickly than it would at other times of the year and be ready to snatch up that dream position.
- Don’t dive in too soon – While January is the busiest time for hiring, it’s worth remembering that it can take a bit of time for people to settle into going back to work. Avoid making job applications in the first week or two of January, as they might get lost as staff catch up after the holidays. Aim to focus on job hunting from mid-January throughout February to capitalise on the new year recruitment rush.
Here at Seven, we’re excited about helping our candidates find their dream role for the new year. For more insight into how we can help you in the January recruitment rush (or at any other time of the year!), please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
