Take advantage of the September Surge

Memories of summer getaways, gradually darkening evenings, and a return to familiar routines. September signals the end of summer – but with more organisations looking to hire, it could also be the ideal time to kickstart your career. 

Whether you’re looking to land your next role, or explore the latest temporary and contract opportunities, find out how to make the most of the September Surge and set your career in motion. 

Prime time to job search 

September has earned a reputation as one of the best months to job search, thanks to a noticeable uptick in hiring activity known as the September Surge. Originally coined in the US, the term has gained traction in the UK too, reflecting a post-summer boost in both job vacancies and candidate engagement.  

In fact, over half of professionals (52%) think that September is the perfect time to apply for a new job, according to our recent LinkedIn poll. There’s no doubting though that the job market is a competitive one, and making the most of this hiring window requires a winning CV and a convincing interview. 

How to stand out during the September Surge  

For the best chance at getting a new job during the September Surge, it’s important that you stand out from the crowd. Here’s how: 

1. Revamp your CV

Your CV’s quality can make or break your chance of success, as it’s the first thing every hiring manager will see when considering your application. Make sure to present yourself in the best way possible by steering clear of common CV mistakes, such as a generic profile or unexplained gaps. Moreover, you’ll want to make sure your CV is optimised for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which could leave your carefully crafted CV by the wayside if not optimised correctly. 

2. Step-up your online profile

As well as your CV, it’s important to make sure that your online presence positions you in the best light. Before applying to any new roles, it’s a good idea to check that your LinkedIn profile has the most up-to-date information, including experience, qualifications, a professional photo and, if possible, a couple of choice testimonials in the recommendations section. Hiring managers may well look at your personal social media accounts too, so it may be wise to switch the settings onto private mode.  

3. Prepare for interviews

While September presents a great opportunity to find new roles, a more active market means you could be interviewing against a greater number of applicants than usual. Make sure you leave a positive and lasting impression by preparing thoroughly – whether that’s researching your potential employer, learning about competency-based question techniques or understanding how to manage your nerves. 

4. Work with a recruiter

To make sure your CV and application gets the attention it deserves during a busy hiring period, consider working with a recruiter. By applying through a trusted recruitment consultant, your application will be presented in a smaller shortlist and your CV considered in greater detail. Moreover, a recruitment consultant is often able to add influence beyond digital decision-making based purely on systems matches. And by finding your next role with Hays, you’ll not only gain access to our industry-leading network of recognised employers, but also receive tailored careers advice from experts who understand your skills, interests, and long-term ambitions.  

Don’t stall this September 

The September Surge is real, and it’s your chance to ride the hiring wave while others are still warming up. Whether you're chasing a promotion, a career pivot, or your first big break, now’s the time to get moving. Refresh your CV, sharpen your online presence, and start applying with purpose. 

Ready to make your next move? Search our latest job vacancies today or manage your job search on the move by downloading the Hays App here.