Don’t miss the September talent rush

Every September, there’s a wave of career transitions that creates unique hiring opportunities. While everyone is planning Q4, smart talent professionals are capitalizing on back-to-school momentum.

The new grad reality

Recent graduates are struggling more than usual — hiring is down 1.9% and they’re submitting 200+ applications per job. But this generation is incredibly adaptable, digitally native, and hungry to prove themselves. The disconnect isn’t capability; it’s preparation and expectations.

The empty nester advantage

22.5 million empty nesters feel more financially stable than they have in years. They’re not retiring, they’re redirecting decades of expertise. They bring relationship skills, institutional knowledge, and mentoring capabilities you can’t hire elsewhere, often with more schedule flexibility than younger professionals.

The September timing edge

September captures candidates at their most motivated: new grads ready to launch, experienced professionals energized by seasonal change, and empty nesters with newfound focus. Less competition, motivated applicants, diverse teams.

Making it work

Successful organizations have moved beyond GPA requirements to skills-based hiring. They offer hybrid arrangements and hire for adaptability over perfect resume matches.

The back-to-school season isn’t just about education, it’s about transformation. And the companies that get this build lasting workforce advantages.