When Is the Best Time to Search for a Job?

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By Christiane Soto

Job Search StrategiesWhen it comes to starting your job search, there’s no time like the present.  Like many other things in life, there really is no “best” time to start searching for a new job.  You should always be looking.  The stars will never align perfectly; your ducks will never be a row.

However, while there is really no right or wrong time to start your job search, there are certain conditions that should be met before you start.  For example, you should only begin your job search when you:

  • Are ready – When you decide that the time is right to begin looking is when the time is right to begin looking.  Looking for a new position is almost a full-time job in itself, so you need to be prepared to commit the time and energy to finding the jobs, completing your résumé and online profiles, searching out informational interview opportunities, etc.
  • Do not really need a new job – The statistics bear it out.  The best time to look for a job is when you do not need one.  Recruiters and hiring managers love passive candidates or candidates who are still actively employed.  In addition, the pressure is off of you, and you can take your time….looking for the right opportunities, researching and putting your best foot forward.
  • Are past a milestone and/or life change– This can be anything from a vacation to a divorce or wedding.  Again time is the issue.  Looking for a new job takes time; starting a new job takes more time.  You will need to prove yourself to your new employer, and you will need to (quite frankly) learn the ropes of your new job.  If something in your personal life requires your time right now, you are better off simply waiting until life calms down.   

In addition, you need to take external forces into account as you decide to begin your job search.  For example, experts state that you should search for a new job:

  • When the company and/or industry you are interested in is healthy and hiring – Research your targeted industry/company to find out if they are growing at a strong rate (which means they will hire) or if their growth is stabilizing (which means that they will look to centralize and/or consolidate job positions)
  • During certain times of the year – This may or may not be true.  It is true that many hiring managers slow hiring during summer and winter holiday months.  However, business does not stop during those same months. Companies need workers. Many bring on temporary employees during the summer months in order to cover vacations and other types of absences.  Consider temporary work; these assignments could last all summer, and they could lead to a full-time opportunity if managed properly.

Snelling is here to help.  We do not quit – ever – to help our associates and candidates find their best fit positions.  So let’s get started today.  Contact us at your closest Snelling office so we can help you with your job search initiative.