Why January is the best time to get a new job

Happy New Year to you! If you’re in the market for a new career (and, let’s face it, who isn’t right now?), your timing couldn’t be more perfect—January is actually one of the best months to get a new job.

Surprised? You’re not alone. Most people presume looking for a job early in the new year is futile, but that’s a myth. Hiring is a year-round process, and there’s never a bad time to apply for a job. What’s more, right now is actually one of the best times to apply. Here’s why:

Hit the ground running

For one, companies want to hit the ground running in the new year and employ the right people to take them through 2023 and beyond. Leadership needs to move quickly on the recruitment front, thanks to the war-for-talent environment.

No doubt there are openings that have been left unfilled for months. Imagine a job was posted in November, a handful of people were interviewed, and then it got lost in the lead-up to the festive period. They now need to get that filled, and fast.

Secondly, hiring managers are likely to receive their new budgets and targets in January, and are ready to spend. And thirdly, a lot of companies see a spike in resignations in January, following those year-end employee bonuses which were handed out in December. This is typically anticipated by companies, and a strong factor in why a hiring push is probably needed.

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So, to get a jump on the competition, start by checking out The House of Talent Job Board for lots of amazing opportunities. Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, it’s time to dust off that resume, especially if it’s been sitting stale since you last looked for a job. Think of it as a marketing document or even a story that you carefully craft to convince the reader—aka, the hiring manager—you have what they need.

Now, write your cover letter. Even if only one in two gets read, there’s still a 50% chance that including one could help you. Start with a clear, concise opening line to catch the reader’s attention, and make sure the entire letter is no more than one page. Also, if you can, skip the “To whom it may concern” and try to address your letter to someone specific by name.

Then, once you get the opportunity to interview, whether that’s remotely or in person; prepare, prepare, prepare. Find out as much as possible about the company—from its culture to its history. Research the industry, familiarizing yourself with any trends and challenges. And practice those go-to interview questions; like “Tell me about yourself” and “What’s your greatest weakness?”

Finally, don’t lose sight of the fact that the interview process is also an opportunity for you to evaluate the company and make sure it’s a right fit for you. Ask about the culture and pay close attention to how the hiring manager treats you throughout the interview process. Never ignore your instincts and always do your research.

Speaking of research, we’ve done some of it for you (you’re welcome). Here are three fantastic companies hiring now. Good luck!

PlayStation

PlayStation isn’t just the Best Place to Play—it’s also the Best Place to Work. It strives to create an inclusive environment that empowers employees and embraces diversity. It welcomes and encourages everyone who has a passion and curiosity for innovation, technology, and play to explore its open positions and join their growing global team. It’s currently looking for a DevOps Engineer, a Senior AEM Developer, and a Data Product Manager, to name just a few. You can find these roles and lots more here.

WPP

WPP is a transformation company using the power of creativity to build better futures. Working there means being part of a global network of more than 100,000 people in 110 countries. WPP and its award-winning agencies work with most of the world’s biggest companies and organizations––from Ford, Unilever, and P&G to Google, HSBC, and the UN. It has headquarters in New York, London and Singapore and is quoted on both the London and New York Stock Exchanges. It’s currently looking to fill a selection of interesting roles, which you can check out here.

Deezer

Created in 2007, Deezer was one of the first French unicorns and the second largest global independent music streaming platform. Now listed at the #Euronext #TechLeaders segment, growth is accelerating. Deezer is ideally positioned to play a key role in the continued development of the booming music streaming market. This is the perfect time to join; Here are some amazing opportunities at the Paris-based company to check out.

For more great opportunities in tech, visit The House Of Talent Job Board today