Source: Fortune
Summary
The U.S. job market added 162,000 jobs in August, with the unemployment rate holding at 4.1%. Experts note a seasonal pattern where job postings rise in September, though applications do not always follow. LinkedIn and Indeed data show a fall peak in postings, but hiring remains below pre-pandemic levels. Employers are hiring more slowly, and job seekers face a challenging market. Some industries, like accounting, see increased hiring in late summer, while others, like finance, recruit in September for future start dates.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story.
Job postings rise in September, but applications don’t always match.
Hiring remains slower than pre-pandemic levels, with fewer jobs per applicant.
Employers take longer to extend offers, slowing the process.
Seasonal patterns offer context, but the market remains tough for job seekers.
Author: Evan Null
There isn’t one hiring season
The timing of job postings varies by industry. For example, accounting sees a spike in late summer due to year-end reporting and tax season. However, hiring in this field is not limited to September, with recurring increases throughout the year. Other white-collar sectors, like finance and professional services, often recruit in September and October for roles that start later, typically in the summer. This lag means that more postings in September don’t always translate to more hires in the same month.
LinkedIn’s 2025 analysis shows that hiring and job transitions peak between July and September, then drop sharply in December before rising again in January. This pattern suggests that some job seekers who find work in late summer may not start until the following year. Understanding these seasonal trends can help job seekers navigate the labor market more effectively.
Despite the seasonal uptick, the overall labor market remains challenging. Hiring rates have not fully recovered from the pandemic, and the number of available jobs per applicant has decreased. This makes the job search more competitive, even during traditionally busy months like September.
Some industries, like retail and transportation, see increased demand in September due to the holiday season. However, this surge is not always significant, and the overall hiring pace remains slow. Employers are taking longer to make offers, which can frustrate job seekers who are looking for quicker results.
For many, the September hiring season is just one part of a longer, more complex job search. While seasonal patterns can provide some guidance, they don’t guarantee success. Job seekers must remain persistent and adaptable in a market that continues to evolve.
This September is arriving in a slow hiring market
The current labor market is not as strong as it was in previous years. LinkedIn’s hiring rate increased by just 2% from July to August, and hiring remains more than 20% below pre-pandemic levels. The number of available jobs per applicant has also dropped by 6% compared to a year ago, making it harder for job seekers to find work.
Despite the seasonal increase in job postings, the overall hiring pace is slower. Employers are taking longer to extend offers, which can delay the hiring process. This slower pace is particularly challenging for job seekers who have already spent months searching without success.
There are also signs of a “crisis of confidence” among job seekers, especially among younger generations. Prolonged job searches can lead some to stop looking or return to school, which affects the labor force participation rate. While the rate increased slightly in August, it remains below its level from earlier in the year.
Experts like Kory Kantenga and Cory Stahle suggest that understanding the normal hiring calendar can help job seekers better navigate the market. However, seasonal patterns alone cannot overcome the broader challenges of a slow hiring environment.
For many, the September hiring season is just one factor in a larger, more complex picture. While it may offer some opportunities, it also highlights the ongoing difficulties of finding work in a competitive and evolving labor market.
