Don’t miss the surge: top tips for hiring this September

With September just around the corner, it’s not just the seasons that begin to change; many professionals also start to think about taking the next step in their career following a period of rest, relaxation and reflection during the summer break. Organisations too may be posting more job vacancies, as hiring managers return from their summer holidays, projects ramp up in the final quarter of the year, and recruitment budgets near their expiry.  

This uptick in job hunting is dubbed as the ‘September Surge’, and it's great news for employers who are planning to hire or who may be struggling with sourcing the right skills – our 2025 Employment Trends – Spring Update shows that more than nine in ten employers (94%) have faced skills shortages in recent months, a trend that doesn’t appear to be slowing.  

Don’t miss out on the upcoming swell in talented job applicants – read on for our expert tips on how to make the most of this year’s September Surge. 

1. Be flexible with skills requirements 

With AI usage increasing and emerging technologies continuing to become more widespread, the skills you need today could very quickly change in the months ahead. It’s therefore unsurprising that our 2025 Salary & Recruiting Trends research shows some of the top soft skills employers look for include the ability to adapt well to change (36%) and to learn and upskill effectively (30%). When you’re pulling together a job advert, critically evaluate which skills are must-haves in a new hire and which can be taught. This will help you to broaden your talent pool and potentially find professionals who are better equipped to adapt to ongoing change.  

2. Make it easy for applicants to find the info they’re looking for

There are certain aspects that professionals look for when job hunting – and if you don’t make this information easy to find they may look elsewhere. For example, our 2024 DE&I Report showed that 61% of employees actively look for an organisation’s DE&I policy when researching a potential employer, but 38% have found this information difficult to find. Other factors that candidates look for include your organisation’s approach to flexible working, its purpose, its commitment to sustainability, career development opportunities and the salary on offer. Having this information readily available, and visible throughout your hiring processes, can help you attract a wider range of talent.  

3. Present an accurate employee value proposition (EVP)

Your organisation’s employee value proposition, or EVP, outlines why someone should want to work for your organisation, and will help you to attract professionals who are aligned with its values. Having a strong EVP cannot be underestimated when hiring – in our 2024 What Workers Want Report, almost seven in ten professionals (68%) say an employer’s EVP has positively influenced their decision to continue with a job application in the past. But making sure it accurately reflects the reality of working for your company is crucial. Currently, 42% of employees don’t think their organisation’s EVP matches their lived experience, and a misleading depiction of your organisation could lead to lower employee retention further down the line.  

4. Don’t let your hiring process become a dealbreaker

Encouraging job applications is one thing, but keeping professionals engaged during the hiring process is another challenge. Overly long processes, a lack of communication, poor interview experiences or unprepared interviewers are just some of the pet peeves that put people off continuing with a job application. Take steps now to streamline your hiring processes as much as possible to avoid losing great potential employees later.  

5. Consider temps to fill seasonal peaks

If you’re planning to recruit in the next few weeks because of upcoming projects or seasonal peaks, non-permanent staff may be a better solution to your requirements than a permanent hire. Working with temps and contractors allows your organisation to quickly access niche skillsets and expertise in a cost-effective way. You can read our tips on how to attract non-permanent talent in this article.  

6. Think about your own career

While the September Surge is a great time to hire, you may also want to think about taking the next step in your own career. If you’re feeling unfulfilled in your current role or simply want a new challenge, check out our latest job vacancies or send us your CV to start your search today.  

The September Surge presents opportunities for both employers and employees. Get ahead of the surge today by contacting your nearest Hays recruiter.