When's the best time to change jobs

We all have our up and down days at work, but if you feel the Monday blues consistently during the week, this could be a sign that your current job is not working for you. If it’s not, it’s time to consider just when and how you want to make your next move. 

How to know your job’s not for you: 

1. You’re uninspired at work 
Is your job boring you to tears? Being bored at work can make you feel demotivated and dent your confidence. If you often feel uninspired at work, a new role can help kick-start your motivation and bring new opportunities for you to sink your teeth into. 

2. You feel burned out 
It is inevitable that, at some point in your job, you will feel stressed. However, if this continues for a significant amount of time, makes you feel anxious or tired, affects your productivity or has a negative impact on your health or relationships, it may be a sign to make a career move. 

3. You’ve missed out on that promotion…again 
Do you feel you’re not getting the recognition you deserve despite doing your best to meet your objectives? It’s unrealistic to be top of your game all the time, but if you’re being constantly passed over for a promotion despite your best efforts, you should consider applying your skills elsewhere. 

When to start your job search: 

If you’re unhappy at work then the best time to start looking for a new one is now, regardless of the time of year. However there are seasonal differences which affect the volume of vacancies available, as well as competition for jobs.  

Spring: 
Spring is a good time for job searching, with high volumes of vacancies available for both permanent and temporary staff. The New Year surge has lessened slightly, which means competition is moderate for the best positions. Many organisations are also considering their budgets for the next financial year around this time. 

Summer: 
With a lot of people taking holidays from June to September, this is a great time for temporary workers offering cover, but opportunities for permanent staff are still widely available, and with less competition from other potential candidates. 

Autumn: 
As organisations and hiring managers come back from their holidays, there’s often a hiring surge, as employers begin to consider their strategy for the coming year. You’ll have lots of opportunities to apply for jobs, but also competition from other applicants, so make sure your CV and online presence is up to the challenge.   

Winter: 
Early winter and the run up to Christmas is a quiet time for applications, but that doesn’t mean opportunities aren’t available. This is an excellent time for seasonal temp workers. After the New Year, there’s a big surge in demand for new jobs, as you might expect, which means heightened competition for available roles. Speak to your consultant about how to beat the competition for top roles in busy times. 

If you’re considering your next step, regardless of the time of year,  get in contact with one of our expert recruitment consultants for a confidential chat about the career options available to you, or alternatively, check out our latest career advice.