As with everything, recruiting cycles ebb and flow, according to Monster.com.
Understanding these cycles can help you time your job search accordingly. Recruiters agree, says the article, that the months of January and February mark the best time to search for a new role. Here’s why:
Companies Have Taken their Foot of the Brake
HR departments and recruiters are aware that companies often wait until year-end to distribute annual bonuses, and that bonus recipients will wait to depart until cash is in hand.
Therefore, it is not uncommon for companies to wait to cast as wide a net – and tap into the greatest talent pool possible – by holding off on hiring efforts until January and February.
Consensus Can be Achieved
Hiring within organizations rarely occurs in silos or by one sole decision maker. More often decisions around interviewing and hiring take place by bringing a group of decision makers together to achieve consensus.
While achieving consensus in December may be challenging because so many people take time off, this is not the case in January and February – when most have returned from holiday vacations.
Also read: Getting Hired is a Popularity Contest
Companies are Ready to Put a Plan into Action – and Have the Funds to Do It
By January, the year-end fog has cleared. Thoughts of sugarplums and gift giving are a memory, and they are ready to hit the ground running with their heads in the game.
And while most companies have had their annual goals outlined since before the New Year, it is not until January that the powers-that-be made these funds available.
This means that by February, companies finally have the funds to make their plans a reality, know exactly how much talent they require and how much they can spend.
In other words, they are ready to interview and hire!
Also read: 4 Common Job Search Fallacies Accomplished Professionals Have
Make Timing Work to Your Advantage
The case for a winter job search is clear. January and February are the perfect time to go for it with a full-on job search.
Get an edge on the competition by conducting in-depth company research, making sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are current in content and format, and having a solid strategy for networking and outreach at the read.
Timing isn’t always everything timing may not be everything – but it certainly helps – especially when it comes to a successful job hunt!