Hiring cycles - how to make them work for you?
Are you making the most of them? Do you know how to plan your job search around them?
Infographic showing the job hiring trends by month with related icons.
According to Arbejdenes Landbank’s Chief Economist, there are times when hiring managers are actively focused on recruiting, including filling roles, scheduling interviews, and expanding their teams. Just as important, there are slower periods when recruitment eases, giving both companies and candidates the chance to reflect, reset, and prepare for the next wave of opportunities. Understanding these cycles can significantly impact how you plan your job search.
Let’s take a moment to connect: Starting a job search can feel overwhelming and daunting. Maybe you’re thinking, “Where do I even start?” or “How do I stay motivated through all of this?” We get it, it’s something most of us face at some point. So, how do we work smarter, not harder? We’ve got you covered. Keep reading!
Let's break it down.
January–March (al-bank.dk) (jobbank.dk)
Job Bank states that the first quarter of the year typically sees a surge in job ads, as companies receive new budgets and can hire new staff. Around 25,000–30,000 ads go live in January, with approximately 30% more posted in December each year. In the public sector, roles must be advertised for at least four weeks before a hire is made.
What does this mean for you? 👉 Start preparing your CV in December to get ahead before the number of applicants increases closer to the deadline. Denmark’s standard one-month notice period (from the 1st of the month) means ads are often posted 6–10 weeks ahead of the desired start date. If you’re aiming for an August start, begin applying in May or June; for a January start, apply in October or November.
Mid-March–May
Hiring remains steady during this time, with around 25,000–28,000 job ads posted monthly in recent years. Companies are operating at full capacity, refining project plans and allocating resources. Many managers aim to finalize hires before the summer break. In some sectors, such as consultancies tied to the financial year, May start dates are common, allowing new hires to earn their holiday allowance before July.
What does this mean for you? 👉It means that if you have been waiting for answers to job ads in the first quarter, don't give up just yet; the recruiters are still looking, and now is still a good time to be found. Continue to adapt your CV to fit the jobs you're excited about and give it your best effort during this period. If you're struggling to maintain your motivation at this point, we have some tips to help fuel your inspiration.
Create a weekly schedule: Don’t forget to carve out time for yourself—whether it’s socializing, exercising, or doing something just for fun. Then block off focused time for job hunting, updating your CV, or learning something new.
Tap into your resources: Join CCDK’s monthly networking events—these are great places to meet like-minded women serious about their careers. You might find a job-hunting partner to share café sessions with, or someone who can introduce you to the right contacts.
July and December are ideal for coffee chats and unsolicited outreach—many decision-makers have lighter calendars then.
Talk to friends and family: The job market numbers can feel overwhelming, but that’s precisely when your support network matters most. Let them remind you what you bring to the table.
Join a coworking space: It can help you stay motivated and add structure to your days. A change of scenery often brings new energy and fresh ideas.
Finally, if you’re working with Jobcenter or A-kasse, remember they’re here to support you. Let them guide you to new opportunities, and stay open-minded. Often, getting your foot in the door is the first step to something bigger.
June–July (al-bank.dk)
Chief economist Jeppe Borre also states that listings can drop by 25–35% during the Danish summer break. In July 2024, ads dropped to 20,000, marking the lowest monthly figure of the year. Jobindex has tracked this same pattern since 2004. Recruiters and hiring managers often go on vacation, which can delay interviews until August. With many candidates also pausing their search, response rates tend to slow.
What does this mean for you? 👉Take a break, too. You’ve likely been pushing hard for months. Enjoy the long days and good weather. If inspiration strikes, consider a light CV edit or taking a short course, but otherwise, let go of the “I should be applying” pressure. Nothing significant will shift until after the holidays anyway. Use this time to recharge.
August–October (stepstone.dk)
According to Michael Svendson, head of communications from Business Denmark, this is the busiest hiring window of the year. Companies catch up on pre-summer backlog, and summer resignations open new positions. Jobindsats shows the highest job inflow now, and Stepstone calls it the “rødglødende” (red-hot) period. Jobindex posted 23,000 new ads in September 2024—even in a cooling market. October sees a slight dip, but remains stronger than spring. Permanent roles starting January 1 are now being listed. Graduate programmes and corporate “talent tracks” are also open, with deadlines in October and November.
What does this mean for you? 👉Time to pick up the pace. After your summer break, start easing back into a structured routine. Watch for exciting listings and apply early, especially in the first week. Schedule regular breaks to avoid burnout.
November–mid-December
This is a budget clean-up phase. Hiring continues but slows. Some companies make last-minute hires, while others freeze due to budget exhaustion. Expect shorter posting windows and quicker decisions.
What does this mean for you? 👉Keep going. This is your chance to make a final push—apply what you’ve learned, use the feedback you’ve gotten, and refine your approach before year’s end.
Late December (jobbank.dk)
Between Christmas and New Year, ad volume drops by almost half, and applicant traffic falls by 30%. This means that any job that is posted then faces far less competition.
What does this mean for you? 👉Use this time to slow down and enjoy the holidays. Jot down what you’ve learned from the past months, as it’ll help shape your goals for the new year.
Job searching is a job. It takes research, learning, strategy, and resilience. Give yourself structure, but be flexible; your “workday” doesn’t have to be 9 to 5. Choose hours that fit your energy. That rhythm will help once you're back in the workplace. And don’t skip the holiday breaks, they’ll help you stay connected and avoid isolation. Keeping pace with the seasons brings balance and enables you to stay connected to the world around you.