When to Look: Typical Hiring Timelines

EMPLOYERS HIRE YEAR-ROUND for all types of opportunities, but there are some times of the year that are going to be most popular in some industries for recruiting and hiring. We have provided some industry-specific information, but it’s important to remember:

  1. Job searches should be personal to you. Every person is going to have a different timeline for when they are looking to start positions. If you don’t fit within the timelines provided, that does not mean that you are behind.
  2. It’s helpful to understand the hiring timelines for industries/organizations that interest you. When you are planning for graduation or a career change, it’s helpful to have an understanding of when applications are being released, what the deadlines are, and the types of positions that are being posted.
  3. You should start early. Getting hired takes time, so it’s advisable to begin applying to jobs 3-4 months before you graduate. Hiring timelines can vary by industry, so it’s good to conduct some research on recruitment trends in your desired field.
  4. There will be exceptions. All industries and jobs will have some jobs and timelines that fall outside of the norms. So even if your timeline does not fit within the “norm,” that doesn’t mean you can’t find a job.