The world can feel like it’s on a go-slow from the middle of July. If your children are in school, all your thoughts move to the summer juggle; how to balance keeping the kids entertained whilst you keep on top of the other commitments you have. If you are thinking of returning to work or moving jobs, it is natural to assume that the best time to start in September, when the kids are back.
However, I am here to tell you that the summer is the perfect time to job hunt.
I hear it all the time when I talking to job seekers; that they will get the summer out of the way, and then start looking again. I can see the logic; the assumption that decisions will be slower, you have less time available to actually attend interviews and you can’t start your new job until the kids are back at school.
There is also the common assumption that there will be fewer opportunities out there over the summer.
I’m here to tell you that isn’t the case! Having spent over a decade in recruitment, the level of jobs advertised across the year is pretty consistent month to month, including the summer holidays!
By pausing and waiting until September, you are actually doing yourself a great disservice!
There are exceptions to the theory, so I’m going to add a small caveat. I am 100% aware that certain sectors and roles are seasonal. If you are a teacher, for example, there are key times of the year that recruitment takes place. So, the summer may not be the best time to start looking, but it may be a good time to reflect and get your CV and Application Form Questions prepared ready for the next round of adverts! Get ahead of the crowd!
So, back to the issue in hand. Why you need to stop, well, stopping. If you want to create a career to enjoy, you can’t give yourself the six-weeks off, as trust me, recruiters and hiring managers don’t take a break.
May I just add, this isn’t just my opinion. A fantastic new annual report has been released by WaveTrackR to support my observations and experience.
Five reasons why the summer is the perfect time to job hunt
1. Jobs are still being advertised during the summer
Just want to make sure you get this. There is no significant dip in the number of roles that are advertised during the summer. When WaveTrackR reviewed trends across the year, the volume of jobs was pretty steady across the whole of 2018 in the UK.
On the flip side, there are PEAKS in applications; one of which is in September. So, if you want to increase your chances of being considered for a role, you will have MORE competition when you start looking in September. For your information, application peaks are also seen in January and May; just after significant holidays periods!
2. There are skills gaps that need to be filled
You may have heard me talk about skills gaps before; where there are more jobs that people qualified for them. This is an issue across the UK, especially in the IT and Engineering sectors. So, if you are able to confidently bridge the skill gap (my tips are in this blog) you can increase the chance of being considered for these “hard to fill” roles.
3. Not all jobs are advertised
Whilst many of us in the sector are debating the numbers around the hidden job market (there is a long-standing belief that 80% of roles aren’t advertised), the reality is this. Many roles are filled by people that are recommended or approach a company directly. Companies are using their own communication channels to build an employer brand and to advertise roles. So, it doesn’t matter WHAT time of year it is, those roles aren’t going to be found on the jobs boards you are looking through. So, use the time you have to approach organisations directly during the summer, as many others won’t’ be!
4. It can increase your chances
Of the jobs that are advertised, 94% are on jobs boards; but they have an average of 10 people applying to one role. For recruiters, it’s 5 for every role, BUT where companies use their social media to advertise, you get on average one person for one job. Much better odds, right? (Another wonderful WaveTrackR finding!)
5. Most people can’t start straight away – including YOU!
Let’s look at this practically. Most people have a notice period they need to work to. Legally, that is a minimum of a week (in the first two years), but most of the people I work with have a month. In reality, not a lot of recruitment processes are quick; you have the interview process, decision, paperwork; it isn’t unreasonable for a least a month to pass before you can start IRRESPECTIVE of the time of year. So, by continuing your job hunt during the summer, you are still able to have a start date that could work for both of you.
So, if you are currently looking to return to work or change jobs, I ask you again, why are you writing off the summer period? When you have a CV that rocks, a solid idea of the role you want to do, it can be easier for you to find that perfect role whilst everyone else is taking a break. By waiting until September you will be putting yourself against the rest of the world, back from their summer holidays and looking for a role. Start now, and you could be STARTING when they are applying!
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Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
