When Is the Best Time of Year to Search for a Job?

If you’re thinking of jumping into the workforce or changing jobs, you may be wondering about the best time of year to search for a job. Applying and interviewing take a lot of time and effort—so it pays to be strategic about when you ramp up your search. Below you’ll see tips on the best times of year to search for a job and ideas to help your hunt.

When do companies hire the most?

Across the U.S., January through February is a particularly good time to apply for professional jobs because many employers get their fresh budgets at the start of the year. They’re ready to ramp up hiring.

The September to October time frame is another ramp-up period. Once the summer ends, companies are ready to make additional hires before the holiday season.

For new graduates and career changers, the academic calendar affects the best time to apply for jobs. These entry-level candidates can find that hiring heats up in the spring and late summer.

And keep in mind that the trends are different for some industries. Here are a few examples.

• Medical residency programs typically begin their cycles in July. This results in a significant number of hiring activities for supporting roles within hospitals and clinics.

• Many K–12 schools and higher-education institutions start their main hiring cycle in the spring (March through May). Schools are preparing for the next academic year and are looking to fill positions early. They have a smaller, second wave in July and August before the start of the academic year.

It can take a few days to update your résumé, and companies' hiring and recruiting processes can take months. So, you'll want to start looking a few months before the peak season.

What is the hardest time of year to get hired?

In general, summer months and November through year-end tend to be quieter times for hiring when it comes to professional jobs. The key decision-makers are likely to be on vacation, so hiring naturally slows down.

But the opposite is true for some aspects of the service industry that are busy in summer or with holiday shoppers. For example, water parks or amusement parks hire for summer and get quiet the rest of the year. Seasonal positions open up in retail stores and fulfillment centers at year-end but might quiet down the rest of the year.

What time of year do most people leave their jobs?

People quit their professional jobs throughout the year, but there are some patterns here, too. Resignations tend to peak:

• At the end of summer into fall, especially August and September. Workers had time to reflect and strategize about their career in summer. That might have resulted in a desire to change.

• During January. People might have made a new year’s resolution to find a new job or stuck around to collect a year-end bonus.

It makes sense that most recruiting happens in the months following these peaks.

How to job search right now

No matter the month, you might be ready for a new job. Make sure you’re proactive and talk to people you trust about what you’re interested in. You can even talk with people at target companies before a role is posted—no need to wait until you see a job online. That way, you can be the person who gets a call as jobs are posted rather than applying with hundreds of others.

You might not love networking, but don’t give up on it entirely. A good connection doesn’t necessarily take hours and require formality. You can set up a virtual check-in or just a quick coffee. Connecting with people is what's most important. Stay active on LinkedIn so you’re on people’s minds.

If you’re getting recruiter emails, it’s good to take them seriously but not move too fast. Avoid abandoning your current job for more money or a title without making sure the new role is what you really want.

Slow down and be thoughtful with your decision. You might ask yourself the following questions when considering a job opportunity:

• Does this role use your strengths?

• Does it match up with your values?

• Will it require a significant relocation or change of routine?

A little time to answer these questions can help you avoid feeling unhappy again six months into your new gig. Talk through a new opportunity with friends or even a mentor before you accept.

Speaking of accepting, resist the urge to say yes to a new job right away. See if you can negotiate the offer for better salary or benefits (or both). Review your HR packet to understand how your benefits will work—and what you might be giving up. To help, we’ve got a tip sheet on key financial steps to take when changing jobs.

Stay flexible

If you’re not happy with your current position, you don’t have to wait for the “right time.” You can start with a passive job search. Keep your eyes open throughout the year. You might set up automated alerts for very specific opportunities, and keep networking. After all, you never know when the right job for you will open up.

Changing jobs can also be a good time to review your overall financial plan. Whether it’s a change in salary or benefits, this is a good time to think about your goals for the short and long term. Your Northwestern Mutual financial advisor can help you identify opportunities and blind spots that come with the change. Together, you can update your financial plan.