When we think about new beginnings, January usually comes to mind. Fresh calendars, new resolutions, and the sense of starting over. But September carries the same energy and is often referred to as the ‘Second New Year’. For jobseekers, September isn’t just about the back-to-school feeling; it’s one of the best times of the year to land a new role. And if you’re searching for commercial vehicle jobs, it’s a particularly strong time to take the next step.
Why September is a prime time for job hunting
- Hiring picks up after summer: Managers return from holidays and recruitment activity speeds up.
- Budgets are available: Companies often want to use headcount or funding before year-end.
- Momentum before January: Starting in autumn means you’re settled and ready to hit the ground running in the new year.
In fact, career experts regularly point to September and October as a “second peak hiring season,” nearly as busy as January and February. At Kemp Recruitment, we saw job applications for commercial vehicle jobs rise by around 25% from August to September 2024, with September recording the second-highest number of applications through our website all year.
“September is always one of the busiest times in recruitment. After the summer, businesses are focused on hitting their year-end goals, and that often means bringing in fresh talent. For jobseekers it’s a fantastic opportunity. There are more roles available, managers are ready to move quickly, and candidates who prepare now can really get ahead. It’s the perfect time to take that next step in your career.”
Micala Angel
Talent Acquisition & Development Manager, Kemp Recruitment
How jobseekers can get ahead this September
If you want to stand out in the September surge, preparation is key. Here are some practical steps you can take right now:
Refresh your CV and LinkedIn
- Highlight recent achievements, training, or projects.
- Use keywords that match the commercial vehicle job roles you’re targeting.
- Ask for fresh recommendations from colleagues or managers.
Be ready to act fast
- Keep an updated copy of your CV ready to send.
- Set job alerts so you don’t miss new vacancies.
- Prepare answers to common interview questions as September hires often move quickly.
Reconnect and network
- Reach out to old colleagues or managers to let them know you’re open to opportunities.
- Update your LinkedIn status to signal you’re exploring new roles.
- Connect with specialist recruiters in your industry (like Kemp Recruitment).
Know what you want
- Be clear on the type of role, location, and salary you’re looking for.
- Think about what hasn’t been working in your current role so you don’t repeat the same cycle.
- Prioritise must-haves versus nice-to-haves; this helps you (and recruiters) target the right opportunities.
How Kemp Recruitment can support your next move
At Kemp Recruitment, we know the September hiring surge is one of the busiest times of year. As a specialist recruiter in commercial vehicle jobs, we:
- Work closely with employers across the UK to match them with top talent.
- Share roles you won’t always see on job boards.
- Support candidates through every step from CV advice to interview preparation.
Whether you’re ready to move now or just testing the waters, speaking to one of our consultants can give you a real advantage.
Make September your fresh start
If January felt like it came and went without much change, September gives you another chance to reset. With more vacancies, quicker decision-making, and strong momentum in the job market, now is the time to act.
Ready to make your move this autumn? Explore our latest vacancies here or speak to one of our consultants today on 0330 440 2323 to find out how we can accelerate your career.
