We all know that the month of November marks the start of the holiday season, but did you know it’s also the best time to look for a job? That’s right. The next three months are the best time of the year to consider a new opportunity. It’s the time for the best offers and the most exciting opportunities because there are more jobs openings now and the people are motivated.

Why is Q4 the best time to look for a job?

•  High motivation to fill jobs still open in 2016 – Use it or lose it. Many managers are highly motivated to fill their openings before the end of the year. Smart leaders don’t want to go to their 2016 review not having filled their opening, and they don’t want to lose the headcount by not filling the job.
•  New 2017 jobs approved – With budgets finally approved, the best new jobs are now available, and the most proactive managers are recruiting hard to line up a new hire for an early January start.

Combine these two factors, and you can see that this creates a “superheated” job market for year end and early January.

How does the timing help you?

• More competition for your skills = bigger & better offers – The better the market, the better your opportunity. If more companies need or want you, the more likely you will get a higher salary and better title. You can even secure multiple offers.
• Don’t lose your annual bonus – Most people don’t know this, but many companies who pay an annual bonus are required to pay the bonus even if an employee leaves. The catch is that you have to be there through the end of the calendar year. Quit on December 31st = no bonus. Stay until January 1st = bonus. This varies from company to company, so don’t take my word. Do a little research by speaking to HR or reading your bonus plan. You may not need to stay until the end of Q1 to get your bonus.

As explained in my book, the best time to look for a job is when you have a job. Now you know that the best time of the year to look is Q4.

Share:
Follow: