Maximising your autumn job search
Autumn is a well-known busy season for hiring, and for good reason. As businesses refocus after the summer and get ready for the festive period, vacancies open across the different sectors.
For job-seekers, this creates a window of opportunity. Hiring during this time tends to be more targeted, with employers looking for people who can start quickly and make an impact.
In this blog, we look at how you can stand out to employers in the current job market to give you the best chance to get your next seasonal job, whether it’s temporary or permanent.
How to stand out in the autumn job market
Autumn hiring tends to be focused and fast-paced with employers wanting workers who can hit the ground running. But how can you stand out as this type of candidate?:
Tailor your applications to Q4 priorities
Business priorities change with the seasons. Right now they are looking for specific skills to bolster their team for the festive rush. Make sure to mention your availability, adaptability and willingness to start quickly.
Refresh your CV with recent wins
Now is a great time to update your CV with any summer projects, temp roles, or new skills you’ve developed. Add any specific buzzwords that are relevant to this time of year and the festive period.
Stay visible and responsive
Employers will likely be moving fast, to ensure their team is ready for the busy period, so being available to answer any questions or to apply quickly is a must. Keep your phone close, check emails regularly, and be ready to interview at short notice.
Where to focus your search
This time of year brings a surge of opportunities across a wide range of sectors. If you’re wondering where to direct your job search energy this season, here are the main industries looking for workers currently.
Retail and logistics
With Christmas and one of the biggest shopping periods of the year on the horizon, demand for warehouse operatives, drivers and in-store customer services staff spikes in autumn. This can be a great industry to be in if you’re looking to build your experience and transferable skills.
Hospitality and events
Restaurants, bars and event spaces will be experiencing their busiest time of year over the next 2 months and will be needing extra hands. Hiring now ensures workers are trained, up to speed with how the business is run, and ready for when bookings build up.
Office support and admin
Many businesses want to wrap up projects before year-end so an increase in office support and administrative roles is common around this time. From admin and payroll assistants, to call centre staff, many of these available roles are great short-term roles with long-term potential.
Looking for something long-term?
For many employers, autumn is a chance to get ahead of hiring in January as they look beyond the year-end to long-term goals for next year. Therefore, this can also be a great time for workers wanting something more permanent. Here’s how to make that clear and compelling in your application:
- Show stability and commitment with key phrases and buzzwords, such as ‘seeking a long-term opportunity where I can grow and contribute’ or ‘ready to invest in a role that offers progression’.
- Show that you’ve done your homework and include something specific about the company or role that appeals long-term, such as their values or growth plans.
- Be upfront about your goals, especially if you’re applying for a temporary role that offers potential for a long-term position. Make it clear that you’re interested in a permanent role and employers will be more likely to keep you in mind.
Even in busy hiring periods, employers are thinking ahead. If you can show that you’re not just looking for a job, but the right job, you’ll stand out.
Whether you’re looking for something short-term or ready to make a bigger move, autumn offers real opportunities, you just have to take them. Need help finding the right role? Our team is here to match you with local, seasonal, and long-term opportunities that fit your goals. Let’s make this autumn count!