As we approach the end of the year, it’s natural to start considering what the New Year might hold for us, especially in terms of our future career opportunities. An interesting recent survey of 5,000 UK workers revealed some intriguing insights. Over half of the respondents, a whopping 53%, saw the New Year as a fresh beginning for their professional lives. What’s even more eye-opening is that nearly a quarter of those surveyed, 22%, expressed a desire to kickstart 2024 with a brand-new job.

But here’s the thing that often doesn’t cross most people’s minds: When is the best time to kick off your job hunt for the New Year? Well, some insightful research tells us that 51% of hiring professionals want to start the process right now. Why? So that new hires can seamlessly transition into their roles in the New Year. And when you factor in that it takes an average of 23 days from the initial application to the signed contract (not to mention the customary one-month notice period), it becomes clear that the sweet spot for applying for a January job is in the next two weeks, from November 1 to November 14.

Yes, that’s right – you’ve got a limited two-week window of opportunity to get your CV out there if you aim to land a job in time for the New Year. To be precise, if you want to start your new role on Wednesday, January 3rd, it’s best to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later.

Salary

Now, let’s talk about something that’s on the minds of many job seekers: salary changes. Hiring decisions often hinge on an organization’s budget, which is usually reviewed towards the end of the year, looking ahead to the New Year. Why does this matter to you as a job applicant? Well, according to our survey, half of the respondents cited salary as the number one reason they want to switch jobs in the New Year. This suggests that it’s an excellent time to negotiate the salary you desire when transitioning to a new role.

Development

While salary is a significant factor, career development comes in as a close second. Whether you’re looking for a new career path or aiming to advance in your current one, changing jobs can be the catalyst for achieving your ambitions. Our research found that nearly half (45%) of respondents felt somewhat optimistic or not very optimistic about their career heading into the New Year. So, it’s no surprise that career development is a top reason for embarking on a new job journey in the New Year.

Starting a new job in January is a common aspiration. More than half of our survey respondents (53%) see the New Year as a fresh start, making it the perfect time to begin a new chapter in their careers. A new role in the New Year allows individuals to hit the ground running, and our findings align with this idea. Respondents mentioned that being well-rested after the holiday break (38%) and having the opportunity to get involved with planning for the upcoming year (30%) were two compelling reasons for a fresh start.

Beat the Competition

Now, you might be thinking, “Should I wait until January to apply for a new job?” Interestingly, almost 40% of respondents are planning to do just that, with January being the favoured time to apply for new jobs according to most of them. However, our research uncovered a different perspective. Over half (51%) of Hiring Managers suggest that late Autumn is the best time for candidates to apply if they’re eager to start fresh in the New Year. In line with this advice, our calculations reveal that if you apply in the next two weeks (from November 1 to November 14) and succeed, you’ll have a head start and secure your job before the rest even start applying.

Benefits

Apart from salary, employees often consider changing jobs for the additional benefits an organization can offer, such as private healthcare, holiday perks, and other benefits like the cycle-to-work scheme or subsidized gym memberships. And what better time to take advantage of these benefits than the New Year when you can enjoy a full year of them? A significant 21% of respondents highlighted this as a compelling reason to start a job in the New Year.

What next?

So, what’s next for you? If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, now is the time to get started! Here at Perigon Search, we have a wealth of job opportunities across HVAC, Fire & Security, and Building Services throughout the UK. So, why wait? Find your next role now and get ready to kick off your new journey in January!