Summer Recruiting

5 Data Points Every HR Should Know to Stay Active in August

Summer. A season of internships, seasonal contracts, and candidates replying to emails from the beach. But also a time rich with valuable insights for Talent Acquisition professionals.

How many candidates job-hunt in August? Which industries are hiring the most? And what does Gen Z think about summer work?

We’ve gathered 5 surprising stats to help you rethink summer recruiting and turn the heat into a strategic edge.

In this article, you’ll discover:

1. Does recruiting really slow down in August?
2. Who’s looking for a job in summer?
3. Gen Z and summer jobs: new expectations
4. The industries heating up the market
5. Summer recruiting: response times and hidden opportunities
The world’s most unusual summer jobs

1. August and Recruiting: Does It Really Slow Down?

Many consider August a “dead” month for hiring. But the numbers tell a different story:

According to LinkedIn, job applications submitted in August make up over 70% of June’s volume, with peaks in certain industries exceeding the annual average.

HR insight: The market doesn’t stop—it transforms. August is when highly motivated candidates emerge, using the seasonal slowdown to reposition themselves ahead of fall.

2. Who’s Job-Hunting in Summer?

Recent graduates, professionals in transition, and workers who, away from daily stress, start considering a change.

Recruiter tip: These candidates are often more available for interviews and respond faster—creating a window to accelerate your Talent Acquisition processes.

3. Gen Z and Summer Jobs: New Expectations

Gen Z is rewriting the rules—even in summer.
According to the 2024 Upwork Report “Gen Z is Abandoning Conventional Jobs”:

52% of Gen Z have engaged in freelance or independent projects
They outpace Millennials (44%) and Gen X (30%) in seeking flexible work arrangements

To attract this talent:

Offer agile processes and fast communication
Post clear, value-driven job ads
Use digital tools for easy applications and follow-ups

Adapting your hiring process to these expectations is no longer optional—it’s essential to retain quality talent.

4. The Industries Heating Up the Summer Market

Tourism and hospitality lead the way: hotels report an average occupancy of 82%, peaking at 94% in August (Italian Chambers of Commerce Observatory).

But that’s not all. According to the LinkedIn Workforce Report (July 2024):
Technology, Information & Media maintained stable hiring rates even during the warmer months.

For recruiters: Summer is the perfect time to tap into high-momentum industries and get ahead of the competition.

5. Summer Recruiting: Response Times and Opportunities

While application flow may remain steady in summer, HR teams naturally slow down. This longer response time can:

Decrease candidate engagement
Lead to missed opportunities with strong profiles

Opportunity for active recruiters: Less competition and a quieter market create the ideal conditions to strengthen relationships with the most motivated candidates.

With nCore HR, you can: