Thinking About Job Hunting This Fall? The Clock’s Already Ticking.

Every summer, I hear some version of this:

• “No one’s hiring until the fall.”

• “I’m at the beach with the kids—everyone’s away anyway.”

• “It’s pretty dead right now… what’s the point?”

Fall hiring doesn’t actually start in September—it starts now, in July and August.

This is the time when savvy job seekers are quietly laying the groundwork.

They’re refreshing their materials, having informal conversations, reaching out to their network, and making sure they’re positioned to move when the right role appears.

They’re not rushing—but they are being intentional. And because of that, they’re the ones who end up top of mind when recruiters or hiring managers come calling.

If you wait until the day after Labor Day to start your job search in earnest, you’re not arriving just a little late—you’re showing up several weeks behind.

And even worse, you may find yourself scrambling and unprepared when an unexpected opportunity does come your way.

Here’s what I tell my clients all the time:

You don’t need to hustle nonstop through the summer. Take your vacation, enjoy time with your family, log off a little earlier if you can.

But don’t completely step out of the game either.

This season is ideal for:

• Taking a fresh look at your résumé and giving it a polish

• Reflecting on your story and updating how you’re telling it

• Putting a plan in place—with actual dates—to keep you moving

• Reaching out to people in your network now, while they’re a little more relaxed and open

So if a fall job move is even remotely on your radar…

Don’t wait for the calendar to give you permission.

The quiet of summer is the perfect backdrop for strategic, low-pressure progress.

A few thoughtful steps now can mean more clarity, more confidence, and better opportunities when hiring heats up.

If you're serious about hiring professional career help, let’s chat. I offer free 45 minute career consults and I’d love to help you move forward. Book Here

Kelley Joyce is a career development coach who is dedicated to helping people discover their career path and land their dream jobs. She has served hundreds of professionals across the U.S., U.K., and Australia since 2012 to radically change their relationship with work. Follow her on LinkedIn for career and business tips.