Job Market Sees 'September Surge' With More Postings

The job market is experiencing a seasonal phenomenon known as the "September Surge," characterized by an increase in job postings that typically begins in September and extends into October. This trend, which gained traction on platforms like TikTok and was noted by Fortune as early as 2023, suggests a potentially more favorable period for job seekers who continue their search later in the year. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates encouraging signs for the job market heading into September, with U.S. employers adding 162,000 jobs in August. Furthermore, estimates for job additions in June and July were revised upward by a combined 55,000 positions, while the unemployment rate remained stable at 4.1% in August.

Kory Kantenga, LinkedIn's head of economics for the Americas, explained to Fortune that while economists often adjust labor market data to account for predictable seasonal fluctuations, these swings can significantly impact job seekers. Kantenga highlighted that September consistently sees more job postings than any other month of the year. An analysis of labor market seasonality from LinkedIn's 2025 Economic Graph, shared with Fortune, revealed that job postings generally reach their peak in the spring and early summer, often around May. Following this, there is a decline, but a secondary peak emerges in the U.S. and several other English-speaking and Nordic countries around September and October.

LinkedIn's data illustrates this pattern in the U.S., showing that job postings in August typically dip 3% below March levels. However, they then rise to 14% above March levels in September and remain 11% above in October. This seasonal increase in opportunities contrasts with job application trends. LinkedIn's findings indicate that applications usually peak between January and May and then decline throughout the remainder of the year. This divergence means that even in countries experiencing a fall hiring peak, applications do not typically mirror this increase. Kantenga pointed out that this mismatch can create an advantageous situation for individuals who persist in their job search during the fall months, as there may be fewer applicants competing for available roles.