Banking

The banking sector experiences an initial rise in job postings in June (62.6%), likely due to mid-year financial reviews and new fiscal strategies. However, this is followed by fluctuations and significant declines in August (-53.6%). Applications also decrease in August (-47.2 %). To address this volatility, recruiters should maintain a strong candidate pipeline and be prepared for sudden changes in demand. Highlighting career development and training opportunities can attract top talent during these peaks

Catering & Hospitality

The catering and hospitality sectors see a sharp increase in applications in June (59.8%) due to the peak tourist season. This is followed by a steady decline as the summer progresses, with applications dropping significantly by 51.4% in August. Job postings show similar volatility, declining considerably in the later months. Recruiters in this industry should ramp up their hiring efforts early in the summer to meet the high demand and focus on part-time and seasonal roles that cater to the fluctuating needs of the industry. Emphasising flexible working hours and a vibrant working environment can be attractive selling points

Construction

The construction industry shows moderate increases in job postings in June (49.6%) and July (11.9%), suggesting a focus on summer projects. However, job postings decline towards the end of the summer, with decreases of 45.6% in August and 35.1% in September. Applications also show a similar declining trend. Recruiters should align their strategies with project timelines, ensuring a robust talent pool is ready for peak periods. Promoting construction roles’ stability and long-term prospects can help attract skilled labour.

Customer Services

Customer service roles exhibit mixed trends, with a peak in job postings in June (15.4%) and variable patterns in the following months. This fluctuation could be due to varying business needs and customer demand. Applications drop by 11.1% in June but slightly increase in July (7.2%). Recruiters should focus on creating a flexible and responsive hiring strategy capable of scaling up quickly during peak times. Emphasising the importance of customer service roles and opportunities for career advancement can help attract dedicated candidates

Education

The education sector typically sees a surge in job postings in June (30.3%) as schools and universities prepare for the upcoming academic year. This demand tapers off in July and August but can spike again in September as institutions finalise their staffing needs. Applications follow a similar trend, with an 18.8% increase in June but significant declines in August (-44.6%) and September (-34.1%). Recruiters should plan ahead to ensure they can attract qualified candidates during these critical periods. Highlighting job stability and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact can be effective recruitment strategies

Health & Nursing

Health & Nursing shows a dramatic increase in applications in June (239.1%) and July (185.7%). The need for healthcare professionals remains steady due to the continuous demand for medical services. However, job postings show fluctuations, with a slight increase in July (6.7%) but declines in the subsequent months. Recruiters should focus on maintaining a strong pipeline of candidates and emphasise healthcare workers’ critical role in the community. Offering competitive benefits and professional development opportunities can attract top talent.

IT & Internet

The IT & Internet sector shows a stable demand, with job postings peaking slightly in June (14.8%) but declining in the following months. Applications remain relatively stable, with a minor increase in September (0.3%). Recruiters should leverage this stability to attract candidates by highlighting the innovative projects and growth opportunities available within the industry. Emphasising tech roles’ dynamic and fast-paced nature can also be a strong selling point.

Retail & Wholesale

The retail sector experiences noticeable fluctuations, with job postings increasing in June (34.0%) as businesses prepare for summer sales and events. This demand wanes in July and August but picks up again significantly in September (62.8%). Applications show a decline in August (-72.4%) but a smaller recovery in September (-17.6%). Recruiters should align their hiring strategies with these cycles, focusing on part-time and temporary roles to meet peak demands. Highlighting the flexible work environment and opportunities for customer interaction can attract candidates.

Transport & Logistics

Transport and logistics see a surge in job postings in June (37.3%) and July (14.4%) as the movement of goods and travel peak during the summer months. This demand declines towards the end of summer, with decreases of 16.8% in August and 6.4% in September. Applications show a consistent decline throughout the summer. Recruiters should focus on securing candidates early in the summer and emphasise the importance of logistics roles in ensuring smooth operations. Offering competitive pay and opportunities for advancement can help attract and retain talent.

What can recruiters and hiring managers do over the summer?

Planning ahead is essential to make the most of summer recruitment trends. Starting recruitment activities early in the summer can help capitalise on the initial surge in job applications and postings. Emphasising contract and temporary roles during peak months can address short-term needs without long-term commitments. Tailoring recruitment strategies to align with industry-specific trends is crucial. For example, emphasising and focusing on Catering and Hospitality roles early in the summer can yield better results.

Offering flexible job options, particularly part-time positions, can attract a broader candidate pool, given the high demand for flexible work during the summer. Continuous candidate engagement throughout the summer ensures a steady pipeline, especially as demand fluctuates. Utilising recruitment data to adjust strategies dynamically is also key to responding to market changes.

Summer brings its own set of challenges and opportunities in recruitment. By staying ahead of the trends and adjusting strategies accordingly, recruiters can navigate the season effectively and become stronger as they head into the year’s final quarter.



Data and extracts taken from Wavetractr The Deep Dive- Summer Recruitment trends. Full report can be found at The Deep Dive - Summer Recruitment Trends - Wave (wave-rs.co.uk)