
In today’s competitive job market, students are casting wider nets than ever before, submitting multiple applications to secure coveted positions. This trend expands their options but poses challenges for industries aiming to attract top talent. More applications, more opportunity for job offer rejection!
Our recent data shows that the average student now submits almost 7 more applications than they did in the 2022-23 season. The increase has creeped up slowly since 2020, but this sudden jump highlights a shift in how students approach job hunting—a shift that demands a strategic response from employers.
Student application timeline data collected by the university provides a snapshot of application behaviors across different months, and understanding current trends can equip you to navigate the increasingly competitive market. So here are our takeaways from this data month-by-month:

June – July
During the summer months, student application activity is minimal as many are in the thick of summer internships and other work opportunities.
August – November
Application numbers begin to surge significantly from August onwards, signaling the start of a more active recruitment season. In recent years, this upward momentum has been sustained through October, but 2024 saw an earlier decline with a decrease in October instead.
December
December marks another surge in applications, often surpassing the peaks observed in August and September of the same year. This can be attributed to students who may not have gotten offers in the fall or were busy working campus jobs. Regardless, this stage sees most students prioritizing opportunities that align with the new year.
January – March
Application rates continue to rise, though at a slower pace compared to December. The peak typically occurs towards the end of February, different from previous years where January saw the highest application volumes.
April – May
As the academic year ends, application numbers taper off and remain low throughout the summer months, reflecting students’ focus on exams, graduation, and summer plans.
Now what…?
Armed with these insights, there are several strategic approaches to optimize recruitment efforts, and the opportunity to reinvent your recruitment and hiring timeline—setting yourself apart from typical industry schedules.

Here’s how you can make the student application data work for you…
1. Optimize Early Engagement! (August – October)
- Strengthen recruitment efforts early in the fall semester when application rates begin to climb
- Establish connections and build awareness among potential hires before the competition intensifies
- Consider hosting informational webinars, networking events, or participating in career fairs to capture the interest of proactive students
2. Strategic Focus on the December Surge
- Capitalize on the significant increase in applications observed in December
- Ensure your company’s opportunities stand out during this period by highlighting unique benefits, career growth prospects, and company culture
- Utilize targeted marketing campaigns and social media outreach to attract top talent who are actively seeking options before the new year
3. Adjust Recruitment Strategies by Season
While preliminary engagement during the summer months is valuable, reserve substantial recruitment efforts for the fall semester to align with increased application activity.
- Develop a structured recruitment timeline that allows for initial screenings and engagements in summer, followed by more intensive interview processes as students return to campus
4. Flexible Offer Timelines
- Acknowledge the competitive landscape where heightened application rates may lead to increased rejections
- Consider offering flexible timelines in conjunction with quicker decision-making processes to have your offers out sooner and allow students more time to make their informed job placement decisions
- Provide clear communication regarding the status of applications and promptly follow up with candidates to maintain engagement and interest
5. Long-term Internal Planning with Data Insights
- Leverage historical application data to anticipate peaks and lows in student engagement with your company
- Develop proactive recruitment strategies that align with these insights, ensuring your company remains responsive to attracting talent throughout the year
- Use this to stay ahead of competitors in securing the best candidates
Understanding the peaks and troughs in student application behavior is paramount for companies aiming to secure top talent. By aligning recruitment efforts with these insights, employers can navigate the competitive landscape effectively and maximize their chances of hiring the best candidates.
Leverage these patterns to position yourselves strategically in this competitive hiring market! By implementing these strategies, you won’t only attract top talent, but also ensure that your recruitment practices remain adaptable and forward-thinking.