Why January is the best time to look for a new job

For mining jobseekers, is January the best time to hunt for jobs?

It’s almost another new year.

Many will be hoping to make a fresh start. For some, that will mean making good on our New Year’s resolutions to start looking for a new job.

While August is the busiest hiring time for most employers, January is still a great time to look for FIFO and mining jobs in Australia.

Many mining companies face less competition and start looking to refresh and grow their teams.

Here’s what you need to know.

You won’t be alone in your job search

Studies show that January is a popular month for people, who aren’t happy in their jobs, to resign and move on. About 18% still think about handing in their notice and looking for a new challenge in January.

Some go in search of higher pay, others look for a new challenge, while some are just looking for a job with a shorter commute.

Whatever the reason, the desire for change causes an influx of new job listings, as people leaving jobs creates vacancies. This creates a tremendous opportunity for jobseekers to find a great new opportunity.

Why? Like mining companies, there's less competition for you. 

Why mining recruitment picks up after the New Year

While it’s common for people to start thinking about finding a new job in January, not many people realise it’s also when many employers start looking for new team members.

Just as most of us head back to the office in January refreshed from the summer break, those who do the hiring also return to work with a clear head, ready to make big decisions quickly.

In the recruitment industry, we’re used to seeing seasonal hiring trends, and a surge in the number of employers looking for new hires in January.

This isn’t just about employers returning to work with a clear vision for the year with a list of work-related resolutions to put into practice. January 1 is also a common date for mining employers to approve new positions.

Employers are often either looking for a new team member for a position they’ve needed to fill for a while but couldn’t previously afford, or for the new employee to fill a completely new position.

Don’t waste January!

Should you wait for February to apply for mining jobs?

You could, but you may be too late with mining companies hiring after the holidays.

Don’t waste any time. Prepare your resume, get your references ready, and start researching exactly what sort of position you’re qualified for and want to do.

If you have experience, talk to a recruiter. They often have inside information on when jobs are coming available. They’ll be able to help put your name forward for the right jobs.

FAQs

Q: Is January always the best month for mining jobs?

January is often strong because budgets reset and mining companies start the year needing fresh crews, but it’s not the only peak. Mid-year (especially August) also sees a rise in job ads across Australia, so it’s still smart to stay active beyond January.

Q: Are there mining jobs after Christmas?

Yes. In fact, many roles that were held up in December get approved once leaders return from the holiday break. The weeks after Christmas often bring new FIFO rosters, project schedules, and vacancies that weren’t advertised earlier.

Q: What should I do now if I want to job-hunt in mining?

Get your resume ready, line up your tickets and licences, and reconnect with recruiters before the rush begins. Being early in the queue helps you land conversations while hiring managers are still locking in their workforce plans.

If you have experience and qualifications in the mining industry and are looking for a new position, talk to the team at MPI. Or browse our latest jobs. We can help you find the perfect position to make your fresh start.

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