As the summer draws to a close, job seekers and recruiters alike should prepare for one of the most crucial hiring periods of the year: the September Surge. This post-summer uptick in hiring provides a golden opportunity to advance careers, close roles, and build dynamic teams before the year ends. Here's how you can make the most of it, whether you’re looking for your next opportunity or trying to close critical positions as a recruiter.
- Revamp Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile With companies actively searching for talent, now is the time to ensure your resume and LinkedIn profile are in top shape. Highlight key accomplishments, update your skills, and ensure your profile showcases your most recent experience. Use strong, action-oriented language that grabs the attention of hiring managers. A polished profile boosts your chances of standing out in a crowded job market.
- Increase Your Job Applications The September Surge is the perfect time to ramp up your job search efforts. Many businesses have positions they need to fill before the year ends, so keep an eye on job boards and company websites. With recruiters moving faster, this is the time to be aggressive with applications, targeting roles that match your experience and career goals.
- Network More Take advantage of the fact that hiring managers and recruiters are back from summer vacations and focused on closing open roles. Now is the perfect time to attend virtual events, webinars, and industry meetups, or reconnect with contacts on LinkedIn. Let your network know you’re open to opportunities and ask for referrals. A well-timed message could put you at the top of a recruiter’s list.
- Be Interview Ready Hiring timelines tend to move quickly during the September Surge, so be prepared to interview at short notice. Practice your STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for articulating achievements, and refine your answers for behavioral and situational questions. Be ready to clearly express why you’re the best fit for the role and how you can contribute immediately.
- Follow Up After submitting applications or attending interviews, follow up with recruiters and hiring managers. A thoughtful follow-up message can show your enthusiasm and keep you top of mind as they make final decisions.
- Activate Passive Candidates Many high-quality candidates are passively considering new opportunities but haven't taken the plunge yet. As recruiters, now is the time to reach out. Passive candidates may be open to making a career move before the new year, especially with the right role and company fit. Be proactive in sourcing candidates who aren’t actively applying but may be swayed by the promise of new opportunities.
- Re-engage Previous Candidates Look at candidates who applied earlier in the year but weren’t hired due to timing or fit. These individuals may now be a perfect match for current openings. Reach out to those you’ve previously interviewed or spoken with, and let them know about any new roles that might suit their experience.
- Leverage Employer Branding During the September Surge, competition for talent can heat up quickly. Candidates are evaluating not just the job itself, but the company culture and growth opportunities. Use your branding to highlight what makes your company unique, whether it’s a strong mission, career development opportunities, or a flexible work environment. Social media, career pages, and employee testimonials can be powerful tools for attracting top talent.
- Prioritize Your Pipeline With year-end goals looming, prioritize the roles that need to be filled immediately and focus on closing those positions first. Use targeted outreach and personalized communication to keep candidates engaged and move them quickly through the hiring process.
- Speed Up the Hiring Process Candidates in the job market during this time may have multiple offers on the table. Streamline your hiring process to minimize delays, from conducting interviews to making offers. Clear communication and prompt feedback can ensure that top candidates don’t slip away to competitors.
The September Surge offers a rare window for job seekers and recruiters to meet their goals before the year ends. For job seekers, it’s a time to be proactive, refine your tools, and dive into the job market with confidence. For recruiters, this period is ideal for closing essential roles and strengthening your teams. By leveraging this hiring uptick, both job seekers and recruiters can finish the year strong, laying the foundation for a successful 2025.
Make the most of this surge—whether you’re searching for the perfect role or the perfect hire.
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