5 Moves to Make Now to Get Hired in the "September Surge"

Every year, there is a predictable spike in hiring activity from late August through early October. We call it the September Surge.

Budgets have been approved. Q4 planning begins. Boards and executive teams refocus on meeting end-of-year goals and filling gaps in leadership. That’s when searches get greenlit, interviews get booked, and top candidates get hired fast.

And at D&S Executive Career Management, we are anticipating an even busier surge in hiring this fall to make up for slower-than-usual executive hiring earlier in the year.

But if you wait until September to start (or restart) your search, you’ve already missed your moment. 

In business, it would be like waiting until January to determine your GTM strategy for a Q1 product launch. This is way too late to pull everything together and truly compete. 

Executive searches take time, and even more so right now. We’re seeing job searches for senior leaders take six to twelve months and seven or more interview rounds with a company before landing an offer. This means decision-makers who plan to extend offers in September are already talking to serious contenders right now.

That means if your resume, LinkedIn profile, and job search strategy aren’t polished and in motion by July, you’re likely to be a step behind the most prepared candidates.

Why Summer Is the Perfect Setup Season

Think of summer as your prep season. It’s the time to build momentum so you can hit the ground running when hiring ramps up.

Here’s how to use the summer months to win at your job search:

1. Clarify Your Target Start with absolute clarity about what you want next. A generalist approach won’t cut it in this market. Companies are hiring specialists to solve their unique challenges. You need a laser-focused plan based on your ideal title, target companies, and industry niche.

2. Refresh Your Materials Now is the time to elevate your executive resume and LinkedIn profile. What you used to get you here likely won’t get you to where you’re going. You need a polished resume and LinkedIn profile that clearly communicates your unique value for your target role.

3. Build Visibility and Relationships Summer offers unique access. Executives and recruiters are often more available during these quieter months. Networking meetings, informational interviews, and even cold outreach have a better chance of landing while inboxes are a little less crowded.

4. Leverage Recruiter Connections Recruiters are not on vacation all summer. They’re actively sourcing candidates for fall placements. This is the perfect time to get on their radar. Our team at D&S maintains direct relationships with top executive recruiters and helps clients position themselves as go-to candidates.

5. Sharpen Your Interview Readiness It’s not just about being qualified, it’s about being compelling. Use this quieter time to practice articulating your value in a way that resonates with decision-makers. The best interviewers are not winging it. They’ve been coached, prepared, and equipped to lead the conversation.

   
   

   

The Time to Move is Now

We get it. Summer feels like a time to reset. And if you’ve been laid off or are considering a change, the temptation to wait until “back to school” season can be strong.

But waiting can mean missing your edge and delaying your search by months. 

Our clients who land quickly are the ones who start early. They’re the ones who show up to fall interviews with polished materials, clarity of purpose, confidence in their story, and a primed network.

If you want to be considered for top opportunities in September, July is your launchpad.

If you’re ready to make this your most strategic summer yet, let’s talk.

Because the roles that will define 2025 are being filled now.

Schedule a call with us here or visit our website at dscareermanagement.com to learn more.

To hear our insights on the latest US Quarterly Jobs report and what it means for you, check out our recent LinkedIn Live recording below and subscribe to our YouTube channel. https://youtu.be/l5PQEHhh8AU?si=z3YQyhgTKNN4bpis