If you’ve stumbled on #careertok or logged into LinkedIn recently, you’ve probably heard about the September Surge. If the term is new to you, you might guess it’s related to yet another surge in inflation or back-to-school traffic. But unfortunately, like I was, you’d be wrong. As a career and finance writer, “September Surge” wasn’t a part of my vocabulary, so I took this blunder as an opportunity to educate myself on the ins and outs of it. After taking a deep dive on Google, watching a few too many TikToks, and consulting a career expert, I’m now equipped to give you the CliffsNotes version. Ahead, what the September Surge is and what it means for all you job seekers out there.
MEET THE EXPERT
Lauren McGoodwin
Lauren is founder and CEO of Career Contessa, the largest online career site built inclusively for women. She is also author of Power Moves: How Women Can Pivot, Reboot, and Build a Career of Purpose, co-host of The Career Contessa podcast, and an educator/speaker on a variety of career topics. Formerly, Lauren was a University Recruiter for Hulu focused on hiring, employer branding, and program management.
What is the September Surge?
Lauren McGoodwin, the founder of Career Contessa and author of Power Moves, defines the September Surge as an increase in job postings and hiring by companies. It usually starts after Labor Day and goes until about Halloween. “While there isn’t hard data,” Lauren shares, “Just go on LinkedIn. It’s easy to find the anecdotal evidence to support this!” And she’s right. There really are more postings right now. And it seems like everywhere I search, there’s talk of the September Surge and how job seekers need to utilize it to secure a new role before the end of the year.
What causes the September Surge?
According to Indeed, January and February are known as the top months to get hired; however, the fall months (September and October) tend to mimic the beginning of the year as it pertains to hiring activity. There are a few reasons for this. Most obviously, summer is over, and everyone is back in the office, ready to fill positions. “There is a sense of urgency to get things in order before winter hits,” according to Indeed. McGoodwin explains that because of this, “job seekers will get a higher ROI on their job search efforts.”
Additionally, some companies have a fiscal year-end approaching, so those teams are looking to utilize their remaining budgets to find valuable employees. And with the holidays around the corner, industries with a seasonal uptick in work, like retail, need to hire to accommodate the upcoming busy season. Finally, on the opposite end of the spectrum, companies that don’t see an increase in business in the latter half of the year use September and October to fill open roles so they can train new employees and hit the ground running come January.
READ: Looking for a New Job? Here Are The Best (and Worst) Times to Look
What does it mean for job seekers?
Simply put, this is the best time to secure a new opportunity before the end of the year. If you’re actively job-seeking or you’ve been considering checking out the job market, the odds are in your favor. If you miss the wave of hiring in September and October, you may be waiting until January or February to find a new job. “It’s time for job seekers to turn off their summer autopilot and start engaging,” McGoodwin advises. “Update your resume, be active on LinkedIn, go to networking events, and set up informational interviews.”
5 ways to prepare for the September Surge
If you’re convinced it’s time for you to hit the job market, where should you start? “Be ready to sell your skills,” says McGoodwin.” “The job search is all about finding the right match—and the faster you can sell yourself as the solution to a company’s problem, the better,” McGoodwin explains. So, if you want to take full advantage of this September Surge, here are five things you can do right now:
1. Update your resume and cover letter
It almost goes without saying, but if you’re on the job hunt, it’s time to update your resume and cover letter. It’s best to create a templated resume and cover letter you can then tailor based on the role you’re applying to.
2. Refresh your digital presence
Hand-in-hand with updating your resume and cover letter is refreshing your digital presence. Ensure your LinkedIn is up-to-date and highlights your marketable skills, and check your other channels to make sure you’re putting your best foot forward. Yes, this includes your TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and more, if you have them. Your personal brand is everything.
3. Network, network, network
I know networking in today’s world can feel stale and boring, but I promise it’s worth it. And keep in mind, networking isn’t just in-person events anymore. It can be sending someone a message and a connection request on LinkedIn, DMing someone whose career you admire on Instagram, asking a mentor for a referral, or scheduling a virtual coffee with a previous coworker. Be authentic and get creative. The more you connect with other professionals, the better your chances will be.
READ: I Thought Networking Was Boring Until I Tried This Celebrity-Inspired Approach
4. Create a target list
If you want to take a proactive approach, make a list of companies that interest you. Then check out their careers site for open roles, reach out to any cold or warm connections you have, or connect directly with a recruiter to see if they have any inside knowledge on new or upcoming positions.
READ: A Step-By-Step Guide to Cold-Pitching for Job Seekers
5. Follow up, then follow up again
The word “surge” basically translates to “busy” in the job search world. So, if you don’t hear back from a networking request or a job application, make the effort to follow up. Send a kind reminder to bump your request or resume to the top of their inbox. If you don’t hear back after following up, follow up again. It never hurts to communicate your interest and qualifications. You never know, sending just one more email might get you the response you need to land a job this season.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Danielle Doolen, Contributing Career Writer
Danielle Doolen is a writer and communications professional whose writing and expertise have appeared in Career Contessa, Insider, Motherly, PopSugar, PRSA Strategies & Tactics, The Financial Diet, Thrive Global, and more. In addition to being a freelance writer, Danielle works in corporate communications at a Fortune 500 automotive retailer, but her favorite role to date is being a mom.