5 Reasons to Job Search in the Fall

5 Reasons to Job Search in the Fall

The summer is coming to a close and people are ready to take their final vacations before the change in season. No employer is looking to hire you directly after Labor Day vacation, right? Wrong! No more excuses. September is the start of the fall hiring season; there’s no better time to put yourself out into the job market. Here are five reasons you should start your job search now.

1. Get Ahead of the Crowd

Don’t hesitate, send out your resume! Sure, your potential employer might still be on vacation, but if you submit your resume, cover letter, and information now, you’ll be on the top of the pile when they return to work. If you pause your job search during the start of September, you’ll be competing with everyone else who did the same when the hiring boom hits later in the season.

If you thought the summer was a slow-paced time to get hired, employers and recruiters also tend to be less active directly around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Sending out a slew of resumes right around the time businesses are starting their holiday breaks is a bad idea. Your resume will end up in a pile, buried under emails and paperwork, as people tend only to focus on the essentials so they can spend time with their families. Want to stand above the fray before the holidays arrive? Contact employers and recruiters sooner rather than later.

2. Recruiters are Looking For You

Just because you’d rather squeeze in one last beach trip before the summer ends, this does not mean that recruiters and employers have stopped looking for candidates. According to the third quarter 2016 Manpower Employment Outlook Survey, opportunities for job seekers remain favorable with employers, particularly those in the Wholesale & Retail Trade and Leisure & Hospitality sectors, who say they intend to hire new employees from July to September. Landing a job before or at the start of the fourth quarter allows you to settle into your new workplace and start receiving paychecks before the hectic holiday season hits.

3. Jobs are Out There

We’re in the digital age, but skilled trade and service occupations are not in decline. Machinery needs to be repaired. Goods need to be moved across the globe and through warehouses. The public requires medical and food services at all times. Carpenters, welders, plumbers, electricians, masons, nurses, and material handlers are in demand, according to the Manpower survey. In fact, one of the largest-growing fields of employment is food preparation and serving related occupations. This area is expected to generate 1.4 million new jobs by 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

4. Turnover Can Mean Higher Pay

Each year, the number of quits and voluntary separations rise each year, as recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that not only are employees seeking better opportunities, but employers have to fill even more roles. In fact, job openings are occurring faster than people entering the workforce or quitting their jobs—this means that now is the best time to get hired. Not only are employers looking for new hires, but there is a surplus of positions available with not enough candidate to fill them.

This surplus will give you more flexibility in your job selection, and possibly a larger salary and benefits. The Bureau of Labor Statistics released another study that showed wages have increased by 1.5% for the past five years. As employees leave to pursue other opportunities, employers are feeling more pressure to increase wages to compete for the best talent. By contacting employers now, not only could you be hired for a job relatively quickly, but you could end up negotiating for a higher salary.

5. A Seasonal Position Could Become Full-Time

The fall is a prime time for seasonal work. Students are back to school, opening up many opportunities in retail, food service, and entry-level jobs. Retailers are starting to look for new staff and material handlers to assist during the impending holiday rush—Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Last year, NRF reported that stores hired between 700,00 and 750,000 seasonal workers in 2015. This spike in employment offers jobs not only in retail but transportation, manufacturing, and fulfillment. Granted, many of these jobs are temporary, but a seasonal opening can turn into a full-time position. Seasonal jobs allow you to get your foot in the door, make a good impression, and create lasting connections to help you further your career path.

Still not motivated to keep your job search going?

Don’t get discouraged! No matter the time of year, don’t talk yourself out of applying for a job because you lack experience. Companies are increasingly looking for employees with the right traits and motivation. Smart employers realize that skills can be taught, but a poor attitude is difficult to change. A positive outlook and a can-do spirit opens doors and can keep you in a new job longer than technical skill alone.

According to a study by Leadership IQ, 46% of newly hired employees will fail within 18 months, while only 19% achieve success. Out of that group, only 11% were let go because they lacked the necessary technical skills.The majority of new hires failed because they couldn’t accept feedback, were unable to manage emotions, lacked motivation, or had the wrong temperament for the job. If you’re willing to be a motivated team member, the statics are in your favor that you are more likely to succeed in your new job and learn the skills you’ll need along the way.

If you’re ready to start your job search, but need help with the hiring process send us your resume or use our job listings to find openings in your area. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about your employment.