Experts advise considering several factors when actively searching for a job this fall.

• Career experts assert that the "September surge" in job postings is linked to the conclusion of the summer slowdown, as recruiters and hiring managers return from vacation.
• Despite the lack of data supporting it, Julia Pollak, ZipRecruiter's chief economist, stated that the fall season is a good time to search for jobs, according to job experts.
• Here's what to know if you're job hunting this fall.

As autumn arrives with its vibrant foliage and popular pumpkin spice drinks, the job market may also experience a shift.

According to career experts, the "September surge" in job postings is linked to the end of the summer slowdown, as job recruiters and hiring managers return from vacation.

Cara Heilmann, president of the International Association of Career Coaches, stated that the team is never present together as there's always someone missing.

Heilmann, founder and CEO of Ready Set Go, stated that summer months prolong the process.

Julia Pollak, ZipRecruiter's chief economist, explains that there is no concrete evidence to support the theory.

The average decline in job openings in the U.S. between August and September is 1.4%, while the average decrease in hires made in the month is approximately 6.0%, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A potential disaster caused by humans could make it more challenging to purchase or sell homes in certain regions this fall.

Job experts suggest that the fall season could be an optimal time to search for a job.

Pollak stated that while there is a seasonal trend in job seeker behavior, the number of job applications submitted in September has seen a modest decline.

In 2022, the number of applications submitted through ZipRecruiter decreased by 8.3% between August and September, while in the previous year, the decrease was 12.1%.

Individuals actively job hunting may have better chances of finding employment as there will be fewer competitors, Pollak stated.

According to Glassdoor data from 2017 to 2020, there is a 20% increase in job applications started in January compared to a typical month.

Experts suggest several key ways to increase your chances of landing the job you want.

1. Focus on networking

Erin McGoff, a career educator with over 5.3 million social media followers, advised job seekers to "be more strategic."

Instead of applying to hundreds of jobs online, focus on making direct connections with people in those companies, McGoff advised.

Networking is crucial now more than ever, as it can help you secure a job through word of mouth, alumni connections, and other associations you belong to, according to McGoff.

Recruiters and hiring managers are often overwhelmed by the sheer number of applicants, which makes direct contact crucial, McGoff emphasized.

She stated that job boards are becoming increasingly cluttered and oversaturated.

2. Gather insight

Gathering information about a company and the interview process through networking with employees at the firm you are applying to can be beneficial, according to Aaron Terrazas, Glassdoor's chief economist.

To distinguish oneself as a candidate for larger corporations, Terrazas advised obtaining crucial details.

• Be familiar with the company culture.
• Speak the "company language."
• Research what interviewers are seeking.

3. Tailor your resume

Submitting a tailored applications is also important, McGoff said.

Recruiters immediately discard resumes that are generic and not customized, according to McGoff.

To save time on job applications, it's beneficial to evaluate your desired job by using a rating system to compare different options, Heilmann suggested.

If you're not thrilled about a job post, rate it on a scale from one to 10. If you find another opportunity that excites you more, spend more time tailoring your application for that opportunity.

4. The 'three-legged stool'

Applying online, networking, and seeking the help of a career coach or recruiter are key components of a successful strategy, according to Heilmann.

"I call it a three-legged stool," she said.

Heilmann advised that a job seeker's strategy should not be limited to just applying online, as it may not be balanced.

It's also key to move fast.

"Terrazas stated that fall is a short time frame for job seekers to start working due to the holidays bookending the season."