Getting Ghosted Or Rejected From Jobs? Try Applying During The Right Season

If you’re a job seeker (or simply keeping your options open while gainfully employed), it’s important to know how different times of the year can influence your job search.

While there are no set in stone rules as to when to apply, factors including industry cycles, budgetary considerations, and hiring trends can impact the availability of certain positions and the competitiveness of applicants.

Let get into a few basics on the best (and worst) times to apply for jobs:

The beginning of the year often presents a surge in job opportunities since employers have solidified new budgets and are eager to fill positions that may have been vacant during the previous year. Experts have indicated that this period typically sees an increase in job postings, making it an optimal time to apply. 

According to Forbes, companies set their yearly budgets and headcount from January to early February, and then prep to interview candidates and make hires after they’ve already given their reviews and evaluations at the end of December. Professionals often decide to either stay, move on to greener pastures, or — for those who didn’t have the best job performance year — give in to the pressure to resign rather than get fired.

The tech industry, while highly competitive right now, is set to see a further surge in hiring during this time, according to The Better Career, a career coaching consultancy. Other industries that have seen boosts in hiring during the beginning of the year are healthcare, oil and gas, engineering, and finance, according to reports.

As spring often brings in new beginnings for nature, love, and even your home, it’s also a generally favorable season for job seekers. Many companies are actively recruiting to fill positions before the summer lull, especially for recent graduates, according to Monster. The hiring process can be more streamlined, with a variety of roles available across industries.

“You may also increase your chances of getting an interview by applying in spring, as many recruiters are in the office instead of on vacation,” Kate Palmquist, a human resources expert told Indeed. 

Industries that tend to hire most during this season are education, business and professional services, according to Robert Half, a global human resources consulting firm.

The summer months often experience a slowdown in hiring. Many decision-makers are on vacation, and companies may be operating with reduced staff. Consequently, job openings can be limited, and the hiring process may be slower. However, some industries, such as tourism and education, may still have active openings during this period.

“Between mid-July and the end of August are the dog days of summer, which means everybody in corporate is taking a vacation,” Anna Papalia, CEO of Interviewology and a former director of talent acquisition, shared on TikTok. “I remember when I was a director of talent acquisitions, I might have 5 or 10 or 20 job openings. You just wait until after Labor Day because that’s when a lot of job openings open.”

Recent trends suggest that fall hiring can be challenging, with some industries experiencing fewer job openings than expected.

Consider that in the fall of last year, for example,  industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and construction saw a decrease in available positions. This might be due to employers in those sectors favoring contract or freelance positions to manage costs.

The holiday season often brings a slowdown in hiring activities. Many companies focus on year-end reviews and may delay new hiring until the new year. However, some organizations may expedite hiring processes to utilize remaining budgets or to prepare for the upcoming year, leading to a modest increase in job postings.

During peak hiring seasons, make sure your resume, social profiles (especially your LinkedIn) and contact information are updated. It’s also a good idea to upskill and expand your professional network continuously, during every season.  And be sure to research specific industries, as hiring trends can vary.

While some sectors may experience a slowdown during certain months, others may have peak hiring seasons during the same period. Staying informed about industry-specific trends can help you time your applications more effectively.