Now that the celebrations are behind us and reflections on the past year’s ups and downs, people are back at work. As they get to this year’s plans, many may be embarking on their hiring goals.

If looking for a new job, now is a good time to keep your eyes on job boards and classifieds. Hiring is seasonal, and to make sure you have a better chance of finding a job, be familiar with when hiring is peaking, which is typically the time when decision-makers as well as budgets are available.

What else do you need to know about the best time to find a job? Here are a few points to keep in mind:

Busy months

Each and every country has its own seasons when it comes to hiring, but generally early in the year and autumn (the beginning of the school year) are good times to find a new job. This is the time when decision-makers are available for hiring — unlike summer and around winter holidays — and hiring goals pursued.

To find a job, know the ins and outs of your industry patterns. For example, retail jobs may trend differently. The holidays and summer sales may cause a surge in hiring not only in direct sales and customer service positions, but in roles that support the business.

Employers, even those not aggressive about hiring, may be still post jobs occasionally to replace departing staff. So although the busy months are the best to focus your efforts, a casual look every now and then can yield results.

New management

If looking to get a job with a particular employer, keep a close watch on this employer’s news. Management changes or a surge in performance can mean more opportunity for expansion and hiring. Be ahead of the curve and get in touch with key managers in your area — even before a job is posted. By doing so, show your interest is sincere about this particular employer.

Even if you don’t have an interest in a particular employer, keep track of companies that are undergoing restructuring, staff shuffling or expansion. These are situations when people are moving positions and there is a good opportunity for openings, either to replace those who moved up or sideways or to expand the company’s staff.

Better economy

With the economy picking up, employers are more likely to loosen their purse strings and hire. You don’t have to be an analyst to know things are improving. A general look at companies’ financials can signal where an industry is headed.

But although a rising tide lifts all boats, if your eyes are set on a particular employer, make sure to take a further step into investigating the employer’s specific performance.

For example, see if there is any financial information reported in newspapers or available online. In addition, you can research job openings that the employer posts. Even if they are not in your field, they could be a sign of good times.

Your best time

With all such considerations in mind, your move must come at the best time for you. For instance, be comfortable with the change of routine, requirements, location, etc. But that is not all … a new job simply means an end of another.

Before you jump into a job hunt take a look at the current one and see if you’re at a stage where an exit makes sense. Will it look good on the resume? Have you accomplished what you had in mind? If the answer is “Yes”, proceed.

If not, take your time to ensure a job change doesn’t cause you grief down the road. Even a job that is not satisfactory will look better on the resume than a three-month stint. While you probably won’t turn down a good job for a mediocre one in hand, it still pays off to look at the bigger, long-term picture.

Rania Oteify, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is a Seattle-based editor.