The Back to School signs are firmly in the shops, and if you’re not already home from your summer holiday, you’re probably close to it. Yes, the autumn vibes are in full swing, and with them comes a new TikTok trend with big implications for HR: The September Surge.
It’s recruitment and job search time – and you need to be tuned in not only to what staff might be doing about their role and job search but also to those who are looking at your company and wondering if they should bring their talent to your table.
What is the September Surge?
Coined to describe the time between Labor Day in the US (think August bank holiday in the UK) and Halloween, this is a time when it’s believed that applications go up, and, along with that, people should be applying for jobs, updating their CV and LinkedIn profile for opportunities placed by recruiters.
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Along with the spooky candle-lighting videos and pumpkin spice lattes, the #SeptemberSurge trend has begun to build on TikTok as everyone from recruiters and HR talent leaders to coaches and job seekers offer their advice on making the most of this ‘season’.
It’s not to be confused with the myriad audios doing the rounds on TikTok and Instagram about making the most of the final four months of the year. (Think ‘You’ve got four months until 2024… how will you achieve your goals…?). The September Surge is about recruitment – it’s a period in the calendar when it’s perceived that people are looking for new talent, and staff are considering a move. It is also fuelled by the return to work after the summer break, and that ‘what now?’ feeling many will be having.
What does the September Surge mean for HR?
The impact of this surge is two fold. One, if you’re specialising in talent acquisition and recruitment, it might be a time for you to be looking for new staff. Especially if you’ve also had some handing in their notice post holiday. People will be choosing to make changes becuase of the September Surge, and you need to be aware of what they might be doing and the impact on your role and company.
And don’t be fooled into thinking that because it’s a trend it’s not something you should be conscious of – for HR, the September Surge is about being open to changes in recruitment, staff and teams, from those you already have on board to those you might want to recruit.
