Back to Blogs
Autumn
Share this Article

Why Autumn is the Perfect Season to Jumpstart Your Career

  • Publish Date: Posted 6 days ago

​Autumn is more than just a time for cosy jumpers and crisp leaves; it’s a season of transformation. As the landscape changes, many find themselves inspired to make changes in their own lives—particularly in their careers.

With its back-to-school energy and sense of renewal, autumn is an ideal time to reassess your professional direction. As the year winds down, it’s the perfect opportunity to refocus and explore fresh career opportunities.

Whether you're transitioning into a new industry or pursuing a long-held career goal, this season offers unique advantages—from an increase in job openings to less competition—making it a prime time for growth.

Why Autumn is Ideal for Job Hunting

1. Peak Hiring Season

Many companies ramp up recruitment efforts in the autumn to prepare for the year-end rush and set the stage for the next year. According to Indeed Flex, the number of temporary Christmas job postings increased by 244% in 2022 compared to the previous year, and a similar trend has continued into 2023.

As businesses finalise budgets and gear up for holiday demand, they often expand their workforce, making now a prime time for job seekers.

2. Less Competition

While spring and the new year are popular times for job seekers, autumn tends to have fewer applicants. Many people delay their job search until January, motivated by New Year’s resolutions, which means fewer resumes are competing for the same positions in autumn. This gives you an edge, as recruiters may have more time to review applications, and the competition is less intense.

3. Back-to-School Mentality

The arrival of September - and beyond - often brings a renewed sense of focus and structure, and this shift can also be beneficial for professionals looking to make a change. With the summer holidays behind us, decision-makers are back at their desks, ready to move forward with hiring decisions. This season’s natural rhythm encourages reflection and goal-setting, making it a great time to evaluate your career path and take action.

Steps for a Successful Career Change

1. Self-Assessment

The first step in any career change is to reflect on your current situation. Consider which aspects of your job bring you joy and which leave you feeling drained. Taking the time to assess your strengths, interests, and values can help guide you toward a more fulfilling role that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

It's encouraging to know that 67% of individuals who have switched industries report that the skills they already possessed were valuable in their new careers. This shows that self-assessment can highlight transferable skills, making a career change less daunting than it might initially seem.

2. Research Potential Careers

Once you’ve identified areas of interest and development, begin researching industries or roles that align with your skills and values. Speak with professionals in those fields, attend industry conferences, and explore resources like Prospects to get a deeper understanding of your potential new path.

Prospects offers detailed career profiles and industry insights, helping you explore potential career paths in the UK. It also features a career quiz that matches your skills and personality to suitable roles, making it an excellent tool for those unsure of their next move.

3. Update Your CV and Online Presence

Tailoring your CV and LinkedIn profile to reflect your career aspirations is essential for making a strong impression. Focus on highlighting transferable skills, such as communication, problem-solving, technical abilities, or teamwork, that are applicable across different industries.

By emphasising relevant achievements and ensuring your profile aligns with the expectations of your target field, you can effectively demonstrate your suitability for a wide range of roles, whether you're pursuing office-based or more hands-on positions.

4. Network

Networking is essential during any career transition, as it can help you tap into hidden job markets and gain industry insights. Autumn is an ideal time to take advantage of numerous professional events, such as conferences and workshops, where you can reconnect with colleagues or forge new contacts. These relationships often provide access to opportunities that may not be publicly advertised, helping to open doors to a variety of career paths.

5. Take Action Before the Holiday Slowdown

Securing a new job now also provides the perfect opportunity to settle in before the holiday season, a time when many companies slow down their operations. By starting now, you'll have the chance to make an impact before the new year, while also enjoying the peace of mind that comes with job security as the festive period approaches.

In 2024, the Office for National Statistics reported that overall vacancy rates remained above pre-pandemic levels during October, highlighting the continued importance of seasonal hiring in the labour market. This makes autumn an ideal time to take advantage of the strong demand for roles before the year ends.

Take the Leap This Autumn

With more job openings, less competition, and hiring managers eager to secure talent before the year-end, the season offers a unique window of opportunity. Whether you're aiming for a fresh start or exploring new career options, autumn momentum is on your side.

At Thrive, we’re here to guide you through every step of your transition, ensuring your next career move is a success. Get in touch today, and together, we can set you on the path toward something new and exciting.