How to make the most of the September hiring surge

As the summer winds down, September is a time for many professionals across Ireland to reassess their career goals following a period of rest and reflection. For employers, this ‘September Surge’ offers a prime opportunity to attract top talent at a time when hiring managers return from holidays and recruitment budgets near their year-end expiry.

According to the 2025 Hays Ireland Salary & Recruiting Trends Guide, 86% of employers plan to hire this year, but almost all (93%) have faced skills shortages. With competition for talent intensifying, what can you do to sharpen your hiring strategy and make the most of the September Surge?

Consider the skills you need for today – and tomorrow

Shifting priorities, emerging technologies and an ever-evolving global landscape all impact the skills your organisation needs. But the speed at which these changes are taking place mean that the skills you need today may be obsolete sooner than you think.

As you’re planning your hiring needs for the coming weeks and months, consider being flexible on the skills you require from job candidates to ensure your organisation is best equipped to meet future market shifts head-on. An open mindset towards learning and upskilling, being adaptable to change, and strong leadership skills, are all assets to look out for in job candidates and may be even more important than having all the technical skills and experience outlined in your job advert.

Turn to temps to meet seasonal peaks

As we approach the final few months of the year, many organisations will be facing project peaks and an uplift in seasonal activity. Temporary and contract staff are a great solution for delivering on seasonal peaks, bringing their niche skillsets and expertise with the added benefits of being quicker to hire than permanent staff and delivering instant impact in a cost-effective way.

Present an EVP that hits the right mark

A strong employee value proposition, or EVP, is a vital part of any recruitment strategy – the key is to make yours stand out and resonate with the people you want to hire. Your organisation’s EVP outlines to professionals why they should want to work for you: from the pay and benefits on offer through to wellbeing support, flexible working opportunities and the career progression they can expect.

Much like a candidate would tailor their CV to a job, your organisation should be tailoring its EVP to the roles you’re hiring for depending on seniority, job type, and function. Authenticity is crucial to improve staff retention. However, our research shows that 41% of employees don’t think their organisation’s current EVP aligns with their internal experience of working there, and more than six in ten (62%) have left a job in the past because it didn’t match the expectations they gained during the application process.

Get your own career on track

During the flurry of hiring activity throughout September, you may want to think about the career opportunities that are available to you. Check out our guide to revamping your CV, take a look at our latest job opportunities, or send us your CV to begin your search today.

Whether you’re planning on hiring or seeking a new role, don’t miss out on the September Surge – get in touch with your nearest Hays recruiter today.