As the season of fall foliage and pumpkin spice lattes approaches, so does the idea of a potential “September surge” in the job market. The concept suggests that more job postings become available after Labor Day, following a summer slowdown when job recruiters and hiring managers are typically on vacation. While this theory lacks hard data to support it, career experts like Julia Pollak, the chief economist at ZipRecruiter, acknowledge that there is a noticeable trend of job openings declining between August and September. On average, there is a 1.4% decrease in job openings, along with a 6.0% decrease in the number of hires made during September.
Despite the statistical decline in job openings and hires during the September months, job experts believe that the fall season can still be a fruitful time for job seekers. There is a seasonal trend in job seeker behavior, with fewer job applications being submitted in September compared to other months. For instance, application volumes on ZipRecruiter fell by 8.3% between August and September in 2022. This decline in job applications presents an opportunity for active job hunters to potentially enhance their chances of landing a job as they face less competition from other candidates.
In order to increase your chances of securing the job you desire, it is essential to adopt strategic approaches recommended by experts like Erin McGoff, a renowned career educator. McGoff emphasizes the importance of making direct connections with individuals in the companies you are interested in working for, rather than solely relying on online job applications. Networking plays a crucial role in today’s job market, allowing you to leverage word-of-mouth referrals, alumni networks, and professional associations to your advantage.
Aaron Terrazas, Glassdoor’s chief economist, suggests that researching the company culture, speaking the “company language,” and understanding what interviewers are seeking can help you stand out as a candidate, especially for larger companies. Submitting tailored and personalized job applications is crucial, as generic resumes are often disregarded by recruiters. To optimize your job application process, assess your level of interest in each job opportunity using a rating system, and prioritize customizing applications for roles that genuinely excite you.
A successful job search strategy, regardless of the time of year, involves a balanced approach that combines applying online, networking, and seeking guidance from career coaches or recruiters. Cara Heilmann, president of the International Association of Career Coaches, emphasizes the importance of having a well-rounded strategy to navigate the competitive job market. She compares it to a three-legged stool, where each leg represents a different aspect of the job search process. Focusing solely on one aspect, such as submitting online applications, may lead to an imbalanced strategy that limits your job search success.
As the fall season unfolds, job seekers are advised to act swiftly and decisively in their job search efforts. With major holidays bookending the fall months, time may be of the essence in securing the right job opportunity. By leveraging strategic networking, tailored applications, and a multifaceted job search approach, individuals can increase their chances of landing their dream job in the evolving landscape of the fall job market.