Job seekers have a limited time to secure a new job for the New Year
Workers in the UK who are hoping to start the New Year in a new job have been given a two-week window of opportunity to apply and secure a position. According to data from recruiter Michael Page, it takes an average of 33 days from the first job application to signing a contract. When factoring in a one-month notice period, the prime time to apply for a January start is during the next fortnight.
Don't wait until January – apply now for the best chance of success
A study of 5,000 UK workers found that nearly a quarter of them want to kickstart 2024 with a new job. However, 40% of these workers are waiting until the New Year to start their job search. This could be a mistake, as over half of hiring managers surveyed said they prefer to start the hiring process in the Autumn so that new recruits can "hit the ground running" in January. Applying before the end of the year could give job seekers a significant advantage over their competition.
The New Year represents a fresh start for job seekers
For many workers, the New Year symbolizes a new beginning and an opportunity to embark on the next chapter of their career. According to the survey, 53% of respondents view the New Year as a chance for a fresh start. Additionally, 38% believe that starting a new role in January allows them to set goals for the year ahead. The top reasons for seeking a new job include pay, work-life balance, and the chance to develop new skills.
Money talks: Salary expectations for new roles
Salary is a significant factor for job seekers, with 26% expecting a healthy 5-10% increase in their next role. An even more substantial 13% of workers said they would expect a salary hike of 30-40% in their next offer. However, it's not just about the money. Working styles also matter, as 60% of job seekers are interested in companies with flexible start and finish times, and 44% are actively seeking out firms with four-day working weeks.
October is the time to get ahead of the competition
The data suggests that October can be an excellent month for job seekers to get ahead of the competition and beat the rush that typically happens in January. With almost a million jobs still available in the UK, according to recent ONS data, there are plenty of opportunities for those looking to make a change in their career. It's also worth considering counteroffers carefully, as securing an exciting new role with great benefits and growth potential is likely to be a good reason to move forward.
