Once summer ends and vacation season is over, recruitment and hiring picks up to fill any vacant roles before the holidays roll around (and to use up budgets before they run out).

This is a great time of year to apply for jobs! Applying to the right place at the right time can boost your chances of getting hired.

Fall Recruiting Ramp Up

In many industries, Fall is a big recruiting time. Why?

• Winter is when many hiring managers have fresh, new budgets. Industries often use that season for executive-level hires.

• By Spring, companies look for recent graduates and entry-level applicants looking for their very first job.

• Once summer arrives, the recruiting cycle begins to slow down due to travel and flexible summer hours.

• As Fall approaches, hiring managers take a closer look at their budgets and hiring needs before the holidays. During the fall, companies with needs and surplus funds want to snatch up the qualified candidates at all levels before their budgets run out and the holidays commence.

Prep Now, Stress Less

There are several things you can do to mitigate stress and put yourself in the best situation during the peak recruitment season:

1. Refresh your Linkedin Presence

Linkedin can be a fantastic way for employers to find you. Make sure your job is current, your education and certifications reflect reality, and your skills are up to date. It also doesn’t hurt to have a recommendation or two. Linkedin has a tool that lets hiring managers know you’re open to new opportunities. Make sure that tool is set to the “on” mode. Also, spend time engaging with your connections on the platform. This impacts the algorithm and helps your profile surface within search results more often.

2. Update your Resume

What if a hiring manager from your dream job found you on Linkedin and invited you to the office for an interview? Great, right? Absolutely! The catch: it’s tomorrow. Would your resume be ready? Save yourself the hassle and keep your resume current as you look for opportunities.

3. Attend Networking Events

Networking events provide an excellent setting to meet other professionals. It can also be a great place to let others know you’re looking for new opportunities. Most people will jump at the chance to help you find something great. If you share with others that you’re job hunting, they will likely do what they can to help you. Keep a couple resumes handy when you attend these events!

4. Brush up on your Interview Skills

The day has come and you’re brought in for an interview. You may know you’ll excel at the role, but without a great interview, you could appear as a “bad fit.” Brush up on your non-verbal language, remain professional, listen, and position your answers so the interviewer feels assured you know what you’re talking about.

Need some help preparing for the upcoming recruitment season? Our team at The Wilbanks Consulting Group can help you gain the skills and confidence you need to land your dream job. Contact us for more information.