Why January is the Best Month for Job Hunting

Why January is the Best Month for Job Hunting

By Carl Walker, Partner

As we welcome in a new year, many of us are freshly motivated to re-imagine our lives – including our working lives. Thankfully, January is one of the best months to look for a new job! From aligning with employers’ recruitment plans, to capitalising on that new year energy. Here’s why you should start your job hunt in January…  

Job vacancies increase as employers set their annual goals

Come January, businesses typically undergo a thorough re-evaluation of their annual targets and operational strategies. This process not only involves setting new goals but also assessing the workforce needed to achieve them. As a result, this is a prime time for organisations to make recruitment plans.

The number of vacancies added to job boards surges in January and February as companies finalise their plans and their budgets get approved.

There’s also a chicken-and-egg scenario at play. Job seekers are more active during this time, meaning that employers will have a greater selection of candidates if they hire now. The symbiotic relationship between job seekers and employers during January creates a surge in available job opportunities and provides a great platform for career advancement.

New year motivation fuels job search success

We all know that the onset of a new year often serves as a catalyst for renewed motivation and determination. The psychological impact of the new year on job seekers is perfectly timed. There’s no denying that the process of finding a new job can be gruelling. However, the desire for change and growth becomes a driving force, making the challenges of job hunting seem more manageable. What better time to start searching than when you are fuelled with new year motivational energy?

Don’t let that energy wain by the end of January. Use our tips for staying motivated on your job hunt to keep you going.

Don’t be deceived by a slow first week

While January is a busy time for job openings overall, don’t be surprised if you don’t see a surge of postings in the first week. While employers are meticulously finalising their budgets and making key strategic decisions, savvy job seekers can utilise this time to fine-tune their CVs, ready for the rush.

Dedicating the first week to refining your CV allows you to present a polished and compelling document when employers begin actively advertising positions in the second week. By investing time in perfecting your CV during this strategic window, you can ensure that you stand out amidst the influx of applications, making a strong and memorable first impression.

How to Stand Out in Your Job Hunt

You will not be the only one wanting to shake up their career. Glassdoor reports a massive increase in job search activity starting in January and peaking roughly in the second week of February. With competition like that, you need to present a flawless application if you want to stand out.

1. Don’t skip your research and go further than the About Us page. You should always research a company before applying but if you want to really stand out, you need to go deep. Look at recent news articles, their annual report, and social media channels. Understand what kind of keywords and characteristics come up again and again so that you can feed them into your application.
2. Think about how you would do the job if you already had it. Most people’s cover letters are an overview of their experience, with a few more details than can be found on their CV. To make your application truly compelling, you need to showcase what value you’d add to the company. Talk about what you’d do in the first 3-6 months. This shows initiative and will certainly make sure you get noticed.
3. Tailor your CV, not just your cover letter. No employer wants to receive a generic CV. More than that though, your CV needs to get through the automated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). This system will filter all the CVs the company receives before any human gets to look at them. Use the exact words and phrases that you find in the job advert to ensure your CV gets through.
4. Add a personal touch. Don’t be afraid to follow-up on an application and make contact with an individual in the organisation. Sending an email, or a LinkedIn message, doesn’t take a lot of effort but it’s a step that most candidates won’t bother with. You can prove how much you want the role by taking this extra step. Plus, it’ll make your name more memorable amongst the ocean of other candidates with anonymous CVs.

If your new year’s resolution is to advance your career, you need to seize the moment. Take advantage of all the opportunities and optimism that January brings! And, if you want some support, get in touch with our expert team today.