When to apply for jobs: Your strategic fall career checklist
- Jenna Cantwell
- Oct 12
- 6 min read
When is the best time to apply for jobs?
Fall isn't just about pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters; it's a critical time to get strategic about your career. The best time to apply for jobs is October; hiring typically slows down in November and December as companies wrap up budgets, focus on holidays, and plan for Q1. But here's the upside: less competition means your application stands out more, and strategic opportunities still exist.
Whether you're actively applying now or preparing to launch a strong search in January when hiring surges, this checklist will help you clarify your direction, polish your presence, and position yourself to land the role you deserve.
Step 1
Grab a caramel apple cider (or your favorite fall treat)
Why it matters: Career planning works best when you're in the right headspace. Take 30 minutes away from the daily grind to think strategically about what you want next.
Action steps:
Schedule a "career date" with yourself this week
Grab your favorite fall beverage and find a quiet spot
Reflect on questions such as these:
What's working in my current role (or last role)? What's not?
What do I want my career to look like in 6-12 months?
What accomplishments am I most proud of this year?
What energizes me at work? What drains me?
If I could change one thing about my career right now, what would it be?
What skills do I want to develop or use more?
What does success look like for me (salary, fulfillment, impact, lifestyle, etc)
Am I running toward something or away from something?
What would I regret not doing in my career?
Capture your thoughts strategically: Don't just think about these questions; document them (journal, type it out, make a pros and cons list, or use voice memos). Keeping these thoughts in your head leads to circular thinking. Writing (or recording) them creates clarity and makes patterns visible. You'll reference these insights when updating your resume, crafting your LinkedIn About section, and answering "Why are you looking?" in interviews.
Pro tip: Save this document somewhere you can revisit it quarterly. Your answers will evolve, and tracking that evolution helps you stay aligned with what you truly want.
Step 2
Clarify your career direction
Why it matters: You can't hit a target you haven't defined. Fall is the perfect time to get clear on where you're headed, whether that's a promotion, a pivot, or a new opportunity altogether. With the year-end slowdown approaching, now is when you can reflect and strategize without the pressure of peak hiring season.
Action steps:
Identify 2-3 roles or companies that excite you
Write down your non-negotiables (salary, flexibility, culture, growth opportunities, etc.)
Ask yourself, "What do I want to be known for professionally?"
Set job alerts so you don't miss any good opportunities during the slower months
Pro tip: If you're feeling stuck, consider a Career Discovery service to uncover your unique value and map out your next move. Just because it's YOUR future, doesn't mean you have to plan for it alone; career coaches are here to help!
Step 3
Update your resume
Why it matters: When applying for jobs, your resume needs to reflect where you're going, not just where you've been. Whether you're applying now in October or preparing for the January hiring surge, an updated resume is essential.
The October timing advantage: If you're actively searching, October is your month to go big on applications before the November/December slowdown. If you're planning for January, use these slower months to perfect your documents and network.
Pro tip: Start with your personal brand! Before you dive into updating your resume, take time to clarify your Unique Value Proposition (UVP) and personal brand. What do you want to be known for? What makes you different? Your resume should reflect this brand consistently, from your summary to your accomplishments. A clear UVP transforms a good resume into a powerful personal brand tool.
Action steps:
Add recent accomplishments (promotions, projects, measurable wins)
Remove outdated or irrelevant experience
Tailor your resume to the types of roles you're targeting
Check for job description optimization (keywords, qualifications, etc)
Common mistakes to avoid:
Generic job descriptions instead of achievement-driven bullets
Missing quantifiable results
Being the "Jack of all trades" (focus on relevant content, not everything)
Having ChatGPT or other AI tools write your resume for you (use it to help, not create)
Inconsistent formatting (keep the reader's eyes on your content, not font or layout issues)
Need help? A Resume Transformation service can turn your resume into a powerful personal brand tool that gets you noticed. If you prefer the DIY route, a Resume Review offers the professional set of eyes you need to ensure your resume is in tip-top shape.
Step 4
Optimize your LinkedIn profile
Why it matters: Even during slower hiring months, recruiters are planning for Q1 and searching LinkedIn for talent. If your profile isn't optimized, you're invisible when they start building out their pipelines in December and January.
Action steps:
Update your headline to reflect your value (not just your job title)
Rewrite your About section to tell your career story
Add recent accomplishments to your Experience section
Ensure you have 100 relevant skills
Turn on "Open to Work" (visible to recruiters only)
Engage with content in your industry to boost visibility
Strategic timing note: Optimizing your LinkedIn now means you'll be discoverable when recruiters start their searches for January hires.
Quick win: Download my free LinkedIn Optimization Checklist to make sure you're not missing any key elements
Step 5
Prepare for Interviews
Why it matters: Whether you're interviewing in October or preparing for opportunities in the new year, preparation = confidence. When the right opportunity comes, you'll be ready to nail it.
Action steps:
Research companies and roles you're interested in
Practice answering common interview questions
Prepare 3-5 CAR/STAR method stories that showcase your impact
Update your interview outfit and test your video setup
Pro tip: Interview Prep Express can help you walk into any interview with confidence and clarity.
Understanding year-end hiring patterns
Understanding when to apply for jobs throughout fall and winter can give you a significant competitive advantage.
October: your window of opportunity
If you're actively job searching, October is the time to go full throttle. While hiring activity isn't at its peak (that happens in January-March and September), October offers a strategic advantage: less competition. Many job seekers slow down or wait until the new year, meaning your applications get more attention.
November-December: the strategic slowdown
Hiring typically slows down in November and December for several reasons:
Budgets: Companies are finalizing budgets for the new year, and likely out of their current year's hiring budget
Holidays: Decision-makers are out of the office a lot more, and attention shifts to year-end wrap-up
Q1 Planning: Organizations are strategizing for the new year rather than making immediate hires
What this means for you:
Active Job Seekers: Do some scans in October for good opportunities, but don't be discouraged by slower responses in November and December
Passive Job Seekers: Use November and December to work on your strategy, clarify career goals, update documents, refine your personal brand, network, and set up job alerts.
For Everyone: Position yourself now so you're ready when hiring surges in January
The 2025 Market Reality
Hiring is taking longer across the board. According to recent data, companies are being more selective, candidates are more cautious, and interview processes are extending. This makes strategic timing and preparation even more critical.
Ready to start applying? Your next steps
So, grab that caramel apple cider or pumpkin spice latte & get ready!
Now that you know when to apply for jobs and how to prepare, you're positioned to stand out. Fall is your season to get strategic. Whether you're going application crazy in October or preparing for the January hiring surge, taking action now sets you up for success.
By clarifying your direction, updating your resume, optimizing your LinkedIn, and preparing for interviews, you're positioning yourself to stand out when opportunities arise - whether that's this month or in Q1.
The key is intentionality. Don't let the year-end slowdown discourage you. Use it as a strategic preparation time so you can hit the ground running when hiring activity peaks again.
Ready to take the next step?
Explore more services to see how I can support you in owning your career story and landing the role you deserve.
Download your free Fall Career Refresh Checklist, and let's make this your best career cozy season yet.
You've got this (and I've got you),
Jenna Cantwell
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