Why you should kick off your job hunt this September

September is the unofficial start of the new year

The bank holiday weekend is over. Labor Day has gone. Kids are back at school. September feels like a fresh start. You’ve got three months between now and December, when the job market typically gets a bump in activity.

Yes, the market is still tough — but it’s been tough since September 2022. That’s three years! If you’re waiting for the market to “be perfect” before you make a move, you’re going to be waiting a long time.

I spoke to people during COVID who were waiting “until it was over” before they started job hunting. Then the economy got messy, so they stayed put. Now it’s years later… and they still haven’t moved.

If this sounds like you, it’s time to take action.

Why now is the best time to make your move

If you’re in a role you’ve outgrown — or just ready for a new challenge — September is your chance.

The best time to job hunt is while you’re still working. You’re not in crisis mode. You’re not rushing to escape a job you can’t stand or scrambling because you’ve been made redundant. You have the time, space, and clarity to make smart choices.

And that’s when the best moves happen.

How to kick off your job hunt this September

1. Get clear on what’s next.

Do the introspective work. Get specific on what the right move looks like for you — the role, the industry, the scope, the culture. Clarity now saves you months of frustration later.

2. Make a plan.

Most people wing it, applying for anything vaguely relevant. That’s how you end up in another job you don’t love. A clear plan makes the process infinitely easier — and far less overwhelming.

3. Do what others won’t.

This is where you stand out. Go directly to hiring managers. Learn how to pitch yourself. Master the art of a compelling cover letter. Write a résumé hiring managers actually want to read. Most people won’t bother — which is why this works.

Want help putting this into action?

If you want to know more about why these three steps matter so much, I’ve put together a quick 3-minute video walking through the details. Check it out here

And if you want hands-on support to go from clarity → plan → job offer, join my Creative Career Level Up programme. We work closely together to take you from figuring out exactly what you want to landing it — without the stress, second-guessing, or endless job board scrolling.

Our September intake is now open, but it will fill up quickly. So if you’re ready to make your move before the year’s out, don’t mess around.