Best Time to Search for a New Job

So 2023 is in full swing, in fact, we are almost in the second month of the new year. Often people use the start of a new year to search for new employment. But can the timing of your job search make a big difference to your chances of success?

The fact of the matter is that there are some times of the year that are better (on paper) for a job search than others. It might be beneficial to know the best and worst times to look for a job, whether you’re a recent university/matric graduate searching for your first job or looking to transition into a more senior role.

Best times to look for a job

Let me just start by saying that obviously not all industries are the same and this article is simply a general guideline. The peak hiring season can vary depending on the industry and job role. However, many experts agree that the start of the year, specifically around January and February, is a favourable time to look for new job opportunities. And the figures back this up. According to research data, January continues to be the busiest month of the year for job searches, with eight of the top ten days for job searching occurring in January.

During the first 2 -3 months of the year, there are generally a large number of vacancies being advertised by companies. There are two good reasons for this:

1. Towards the end of the year, companies will often finish their budget planning for the upcoming year, and new job openings are usually posted in December in anticipation of hiring during the start of the new year.
2. Over the December holidays, many people take the time to reflect on their current roles and responsibilities and make resolutions to find new job opportunities, this often leads to individuals leaving their current positions, creating additional job openings for applicants. It’s a common New Year’s resolution to want to make a job change, the reasons behind it vary (Money, responsibilities, happiness) but the result is always the same. Resignations.

Worst times to look for a job

Although it is still possible to find a job during the later winter months, it is generally recommended to avoid job searching during these times as the competition may be higher and the number of job openings may be lower. Additionally, starting a new job in the middle of the year can be an awkward time for some people.

It is also not recommended to apply for jobs right before the end of the year, as during this time, many people are preoccupied with the holidays and taking time off. Instead, it is suggested to use this time to update your CV and cover letter, research companies, and invest in networking. Additionally, the second half of the year may also be a less favourable time for job searching as companies may be tightening their budgets and implementing hiring freezes to meet financial goals.

How far in advance should you look for a job?

Choosing the right time to start your job search can be challenging, one of the factors to consider is how far in advance you should begin your search. The ideal time to start a job search is two to three months before your desired start date. Two months is considered the optimal time frame for most, as it allows enough time to find a job without feeling rushed. However, this is also largely dependent on your current employment status and of course, any resignation periods stipulated by your current employment contract.

Days of the week affect the job search

It might surprise you to hear that not only are there better months to look for a job, but also better days of the week. According to an analysis by SmartRecruiters, which looked at over 240,000 companies, the best days to look for a job are at the beginning of the week, especially on Tuesdays. This is when recruiters tend to post new job openings. Furthermore, most employees are interviewed and hired on Tuesdays. The survey also suggests that late morning is the best time to look for a job because this is when many managers post new job listings. To increase your chances of getting hired, it’s recommended to apply for jobs between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm.

Conclusion

So if we are to take all of that information and summarize it. Then the best time for you to look for a new job would be in January, on Tuesday between the hours of 11 am and 2 pm. I think if you only did that you might find it quite difficult to find a new job. To increase the chances of landing a new job, it is important to maintain consistent job search efforts throughout the year, not just in January, not just Tuesdays. Sending your applications through between 11 am and 2 pm might be the best advice here to be honest.

So let’s give you some really good advice. When is the best time to search for a new job?

Look when it’s best for you!

While certain seasons or months may be better for job searching, it’s important to remember that the best time to look for a new job is ongoing until you find the right fit. It’s crucial to maintain momentum in your job search and not give up until you receive a job offer. The best time is always right now, so it’s important to continue searching, don’t give up and the right opportunity will come your way.