When Do Companies Hire the Most in the UK? – Guide for Job Seekers

Taylor Taylor
By Taylor Taylor
10 Min Read

Knowing when companies are most likely to hire can give job seekers a competitive edge as they launch their job search. Hiring trends change all over each year in the UK with regard to budget cycles, seasonal demand, and other needs of the industry. We will look into what quarters of the year usually have the maximum intake of hiring, highlight statistics on hiring trends in the UK, and then go back to giving our recommendations on when and how to apply to maximize chances for job seekers.

Peak Hiring Seasons in the UK

While hiring can take place at any time of the year, there are certain times of the year that are peculiarly busier in recruiting than others in the UK. In most cases, the two peak periods to hire employees occur at the beginning of the year-that is, between January and March-and in the latter half of the year-that is, from September through November.

1. January to March

For this reason, the first quarter of the year is usually the busiest hiring period for most companies in the UK. This could be due to new budgets approved and the year-ahead planning that companies do. In fact, January, February, and March are some of the busiest months when the companies will want to fill their job openings that best match their strategic plans for the coming year.

According to LinkedIn, January and February are the prime time for job seekers to get interviews because companies usually begin the year by assessing their needs and filling the gap in their workforce. In fact, according to a study done by CV-Library, UK job postings increased by 36% in January 2022 compared to the previous month of December 2021, while job applications surged by 40%, highlighting the high demand from both employers and job seekers at the start of the year.

2. September to November

The other time that hiring might be popular could be during the autumn months. September launches a new business quarter, and along with it may be company assessments of progress against annual goals with refinement of staffing requirements. Many companies also want to finalize hiring by November so the onboarding process can be completed by the end of the year, with the person being productive come January.

Evidence from jobsites like Indeed suggests that vacancies and recruiting peak in these months as companies try to complete their recruiting before the December holidays. According to Glassdoor UK, the number of advertised vacancies might climb as much as by 30% in September compared to summer months.

Less Busy Hiring Times

By contrast, the periods of slow hiring activities start from the summer months, meaning from June to August, and then December.

1. From June to August

This is usually the period when hiring activity goes slow because many employees and decision-makers are on holiday. Because of this, recruitment processes may take longer, and fewer job openings are normally posted. It is a frustrating period for most job seekers since the response time may be longer and available positions scarce.

2. December

Additionally, the time before the winter holidays is usually slower in hiring because businesses often shut down operations for the year. Rather than bringing new hires aboard, many companies are concerned with wrapping up projects and finalizing budgets to prepare for the new year. That being said, some industries may ramp up hiring in December to meet seasonal demand.

Recommendations for Job Seekers: When to Apply

To maximize their success rate, job seekers will do well by aligning their search efforts with these peak seasons of hiring. Here is a set of tips on when to apply:

1. Take Advantage of New Year Hiring Surge

As mentioned earlier, the prime time for job seekers is between January and March. You already have your updated CV, a good covering letter, and an updated LinkedIn profile ready by the end of December, so you start at the right time when companies begin their recruitment drives in January. During this time, recruiters are in overdrive looking for positions, and applying early will give you one up over others.

2. Make the Most of the Autumn Recruitment Drive

So far as missing the first wave of hiring early in the year is concerned, September to November is another very good opportunity. Keep your CV and job application materials current and adjusted for each job to which you apply. Those job seekers ready to jump into action during this period will profit from the higher availability of job openings as companies look towards filling positions before the end of the year.

3. Continue Applying During the Off-Season, Too

Even though the summer and holiday periods are the least active, there are companies hiring during these times. In fact, competition for positions could be less during these seasons, as a good deal of job seekers may go on break during the summer or during the holidays. Applying in the quieter months could mean you face less competition, which could boost your chances of securing an interview.

How to Maximise Your Chances of Success

Once you’ve found out all the best times to apply, it is time to optimize your application strategy to increase your chances of landing a role. Here are some tips to make you stand above others:

1. Tailor Your Applications

For this reason, tailoring your CV and cover letter to the specific job is important. Emphasize any relevant experiences, skills, and achievements that have something to do with the job description. If you are to write a formal letter complimenting your application, make sure to address the hiring manager by name and show your interest in the position and the company. A personalized application shows recruiters how genuinely interested and willing one is to take the pains.

2. Optimize Your Online Presence

As part of the overall screening process, most recruiters will peruse your online profiles-so make sure to have a professional LinkedIn profile and that it is updated. Emphasize key accomplishments, and add relevant skills to the profile. You may want to solicit recommendations from past colleagues or managers. You can also build your network by joining industry groups and engaging in professional discussions.

3. Network Effectively

Besides, building a network can be of much help in your job search. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with people in the field. This networking might help in discovering unadvertised vacancies, making you more informed about the hiring practices of companies, and giving you priority referrals.

4. Get Ready for Interviews

Once you have secured an interview preparation is key. Research the company, have a set of common interview questions ready with examples of what you have achieved. As this will give you the company’s values and culture, it enables them to model their responses and indicate why you are the best candidate for the job.

Conclusion

Even though companies in the UK recruit throughout the year, the best time is between January to March and from September to November. These peak seasons are when job seekers can increase their chances, but at the same time, they must also be ready to grab opportunities during these quiet months. As a matter of fact, by tailoring applications, optimizing one’s online presence, carrying out effective networking, and making good preparation for an interview, a jobseeker will be well-placed to take up employment in today’s competitive job market. Understanding the trend in hiring and building up your strategy on it will bring many differences in your job search journey.

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