The September Surge - Fact or Fiction?

With layoffs, rising global interest rates, and economic instability, 2023 hasn’t exactly generated positive associations with filling and finding appropriate job roles.

That’s why the so-called ‘September Surge’ has generated a lot of buzz in recent months - five billion views on TikTok, to be exact. As a result, job-seekers have been preparing for a dynamic job market, with organisations ramping up their hiring at unprecedented rates. The concept is seen as a saving grace by job seekers and recruiters alike, who have been stifled by reduced headcounts and a passive job market over the last few years.

But here’s the twist – does the September Surge even exist? Some experts debate whether it’s real, emphasising that there are other times of the year to pay just as much attention to.

What is the September Surge?

The September Surge is a term used to describe the period of hiring increase that falls between the first Monday in September and the end of October. It holds the theory that, as the summer holidays come to an end, parents have more time to look for jobs as their children are back in school, and organisations preparing for the end of their fiscal year want to use up their current year’s talent budgets before they lose them.

The existence of a September Surge has been debated among career experts and economists. Some firmly believe that September is the month for peak hiring. Others, however, insist that job market activity peaks several times throughout the year, making September the same as, for example, January through March. Some even argue that the September Surge is a fictional concept made up to influence the market and give job seekers hope.

The concept of a September Surge is not a new phenomenon and has been recognised by experts in the job market for years. Only recently have Gen Zs launched it back into the spotlight with the trending hashtag #SeptemberSurge.

How is the September Surge Significant in this Economy?

The significance of the September Surge in the current global economy, particularly amidst soaring inflation and widening wealth gaps, cannot be understated. If accurate, the global hiring surge represents a potential partial antidote to the economic challenges at hand. It signifies a period of heightened job creation and increased demand for labour, driving competition among employers to attract and retain talent. This competition can result in higher wages, which, in turn, may alleviate some of the strain caused by rising living costs associated with inflation.

Additionally, a September hiring surge can provide opportunities for individuals disproportionately affected by unemployment, contributing to a more equitable income distribution and reducing wealth disparities. In essence, the September Surge, if genuine, can act as a vital catalyst for economic recovery, offering an optimistic outlook in a challenging economic landscape.

Accela Weighs In: Did the Surge Happen?

With September 2023 now in our rear-view mirror, Accela Talent’s Client Director, Vanessa Mittman, weighs in on her answer to the question, “Was the September Surge a reality?”

In short, it wasn’t.

“While there was more hiring-related activity, such as interviews, happening in September than in prior months, actual hires remained stagnant. We can more than likely attribute this to the fact that an overwhelming portion of the global workforce was on extended holidays during the summer,” said Vanessa. “When regular talent acquisition activity supporting job vacancies resumes following three quiet months, it may feel like a ‘surge’, but it’s more like a return to normalcy.”

According to Vanessa, the trending concept had both pros and cons. On the plus side, candidates came into discussions more enthusiastic and hopeful. However, with the rate of actual hires and the creation of new roles remaining stagnant, it ultimately stimulated some applicant frustration.

Secure the Best Talent, Whatever the Season

No matter the timing or job market conditions, Accela Talent’s recruitment and headhunting services can help your organisation source and hire the best talent for your organisation. Whether your search is discrete or open, our seasoned recruiters leverage their extensive network and myriad other resources, including our online resource for job seekers, to find the right fit at the right time.

We go a step further by offering Workforce Planning support to help you prepare for your future talent needs and recruitment process outsourcing to help your company operate more efficiently.

Is your organisation looking for recruitment support? Look no further. Contact us at [email protected]