Everyone else slows down hiring for summer, which is exactly why you should speed yours up! In 2024 our clients posted 10.2% fewer jobs in July and August than the rest of the year, data backed up by WaveTrackR’s national index which shows job adverts drop 10-12 % each summer.
But, at the same time the number of applications only fell only 7%, which means that applications per job was more than before. So, the decreased competition in adverts should lead to more candidates applying for your jobs.
Why The “Summer Slump” Is A Hiring Sweet Spot
- Lower vacancy volume, same active job-seekers
Applicants will use downtime to scroll job boards and consider career choices so candidate supply stays strong. - Cost-efficient visibility
Advert costs stay stay flat so the cost per application should drop over the summer period.. - Faster scheduling
Candidates on annual leave, or summer “flex” can often interview without juggling shifts, reducing overall Time-to-Fill. - Employer-brand boost
Advertising when others go quiet signals stability and growth.
Summer-Hiring Myth-Busters – Five Misconceptions You Can Ignore
Reality – Last year we only saw a 7% drop in candidate traffic, which means 93% of jobseekers are still looking.
Reality – Great talent moves fast, especially when the process is fast.
Summer Hiring Tips
How to make the most of the less competitive job market…
Make sure you have the basics in place for an effective job advert, all the same rules apply. If you need help with your advert you can always use our free job advert generator.
Simple and commonly used Job Titles: Sales Executive over Sales Ninja!
Lead with flexibility. Highlight remote and hybrid options to drive more applications.
Shorten response times. Acknowledge every CV within 24 hours; momentum keeps talent from drifting elsewhere.
Open Communication. Share your timelines with candidates, ask when and if they are on holiday, ask if they’re happy to be contacted or not and be sensitive to this.
Use always-on screening. One-way video tools let applicants record answers whenever they’re free and wherever they are, even on holiday.
Pre-agree decision criteria. Lock scoring criteria and panel dates before key managers disappear on holiday.
Move quickly. If candidates meet your criteria and interview well then don’t wait until September when the market heats up, look to move as quickly as you can.
Ready To Test The Theory?
Run a free trial with Get Staffed this summer. We’ll write and post your advert, let our screening assistant tool identify your best candidates and set up a Willo screening interview to get to know your candidates, beyond the CV.
5 Quick Actions To Win At Summer Hiring
- Launch ads before rivals return in September.
- Use a simple and well searched job title.
- Respond to applicants quickly.
- Use one-way video screening during holidays.
- Fix interview panels and scoring criteria people go on holiday.
