Does Work Slow Down In The Summer?

With the annual holidays taking shape, does summer mean everyone kicks back, so is it not the best time to look for a new role?

Hiring invariably changes with the seasons. Best practice will tell you that the start of the year brings with it fresh budgets and opportunities, with peak season around autumn before slowing down for Christmas. However, this isn’t necessarily the case.

One of the main reasons for slowing down during the summer is just the ability to have a break and wind down. Many employers are on holiday, so this can mean the decision process pauses and interview teams aren’t available. For candidates, summer presents a time when people are not as flexible and as well as holidays, there can be childcare arrangements.

It doesn’t mean though that everyone slows down. Harriet Wilson, Industrial Division Manager, highlights the abundance if temp work becomes a choice. “Summer is a fantastic time in certain industries. Agriculture, leisure and tourism, hospitality and events are operating at their busiest times and looking for team members. The world of recruitment does not follow a rigid seasonal pattern, it just depends on the industry.”

Karen Jayne Harris, Senior Consultant, highlights the slowdown and peaks are, not just industry, but location-led. “Geography comes into play and coastal areas have a boom time when hiring during the summer. However, it is true, depending on your industry, it might not be as hectic as other seasons. What this presents is an opportunity to do your research, figure out what you want and what you value as well as build up your networking. Seasons can also present a strategic focus, it can give you more time.”

Jordan Ball, Senior Industrial Recruitment Consultant, sees no seasonal slowdown. “I have to say it doesn’t matter what season you are in. For instance, some clients are now recruiting for Christmas. It doesn’t necessarily depend on season, it’s how companies plan. For instance, the industrial team could have a client who relies on us for the winter, but we could receive a call tomorrow requesting a team to work. There is plenty of work, you just have to find it. Positions can open up at any time, it doesn’t mean a summer lull.”

 

Whilst recruitment cycles do ebb and flow if you think that summer means a time to slow down, that is not the case. If you want to be on someone's radar, now presents a good time to be seen.