Want a New Job by Year-End? The Work Starts Now

Right now, you might be more focused on squeezing in one last summer getaway than on polishing your resume. And, truly, I get it — I've got one last hurrah at the beloved family cottage coming up next week.

But here’s the thing: If your goal is to land a new job before the end of 2025, now is one of the best times to get moving.

Here’s why:

While you’re easing through these final weeks of summer, so is most of your competition. They’re not updating their resumes. They’re not practicing interview answers. They’re not reaching out to their networks nor inviting people to informational interviews.

Which means… if you start preparing now, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running when hiring picks up — and it will. September through November is one of the most active hiring windows of the year.

Companies often have budgets to use before year-end. Managers want new hires in place before the holidays and Q1 rush. And after a slower summer, they’re motivated to make things happen.

If you use these next few weeks to prep, you’ll have an advantage — you’ll be “first out of the gate” and you just might find a great job opening before the masses arrive in late September.

Here are some smart ways to get yourself ready:

➨ 1. Refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile

Make sure your marketing materials are current, compelling, and targeted for the types of roles you want. If you’ve been meaning to add recent wins, do it now so you’re ready to apply quickly. (Need help? We've got you.)

➨ 2. Warm up your “hidden network”

Don’t just reach out to close colleagues. Tap into old connections from partner companies, vendors, industry events, or past collaborations. These “loose ties” can lead to surprising opportunities. And if you’re not sure how to approach them, revisit my earlier Steer Your Career column, How to Ask for (And Make the Most of) An Informational Interview — it’s a great, low-pressure way to re-engage people you haven’t talked to in a while or meet people at companies of interest.

➨ 3. Audit your digital footprint

Google yourself. See what a recruiter will see. Make sure your personal social is either clean or private, and that your professional presence is up to date (and positioning you for the types of work you'd love to land next). If nothing much comes up, start engaging with or posting industry content now. Even if you're "not a social media person," being findable demonstrates technological currency, which is important in nearly every job today.

➨ 4. Sign up for niche job alerts

Beyond LinkedIn or Indeed, set alerts on industry-specific job boards, professional association sites, and local economic development boards. Many niche roles never make it to the big platforms because the price tag can be steep. A great place to start is my Jon Shields’ JobSearchDatabase.com, which compiles hundreds of specialized job boards across industries and functions.

➨ 5. Get your references prepped

Line up 3–5 people who’d be willing to vouch for you, let them know you’re getting ready for a search, and remind them of a few key wins you'd love for them to highlight if contacted. (And when you know they’re about to be called, reach out again to share context and input on what would be most helpful for them to emphasize.)

➨ 6. Get on the radar of your dream employers

Make a short list of companies you’d be thrilled to work for, even if they’re not currently posting openings. Then map out ways to get noticed: connect with key decision-makers on LinkedIn, engage thoughtfully with their posts, comment on company updates, and, if possible, attend events they’re part of. A little genuine visibility now can turn a cold application into a warm introduction later.

➨ 7. Establish or affirm your thought leadership

Hiring managers and recruiters notice people who show up as credible, insightful voices in their industry. Share relevant articles, post your perspectives, or comment meaningfully on others’ content. You don’t have to post every day — in fact, quality matters so much more than volume. A handful of thoughtful, relevant contributions each month can do more for your visibility than a flurry of rushed or say-nothing updates.

You don’t need to work around the clock in August to set yourself up for success. (Seriously, please don't. There are still s'mores to be eaten and sunsets to enjoy.)

But you'll be at an advantage if you're organized, visible, and ready to move when the market wakes up in just a few short weeks. Just when everyone's shaking the last bits of sand from their shoes or covering up the boat, you’ll already be in motion — and that head start can make all the difference.

Thanks for reading Steer Your Career. If you’d like more support as you gear up for your fall job search:

1. Check out my LinkedIn Learning Courses

I’ve got 13 courses covering everything from planning and organizing a job search, writing powerful resumes and cover letters, and interviewing effectively. Premium members can access them all, and I’ve opened up two free ones for everyone: Resume Makeover and Become a Thought Leader & Advance Your Career.

2. Determine What Your Worth in the Marketplace

Ever wonder if you’re being paid what you’re truly worth? JobLogr has just launched a new tool that's pretty cool. It’s an AI-powered Salary Benchmark Calculator that takes your resume and instantly compares your experience, skills, and qualifications to current market data for your role, industry, and location. In just a couple of minutes, you’ll see exactly where you stand — and get ideas for how to improve your earning power. Grab a free trial and check it out HERE.

(Note: JobLogr is a partner of ours- their platform is amazing. We will earn a small commission if you purchase a paid membership with JobLogr.)

3. Subscribe to Steer Your Career

If you're not a subscriber here yet, I welcome you to join me for monthly(ish) guidance that aims to help you succeed at job search, grow professionally, or make a career pivot.