If you're on the hunt for a new job to start your 2026, one careers expert has said you should spend the rest of January doing one thing if you want the best hiring chances
09:21, 16 Jan 2026
Whether you're looking for a change from your current job, you've been out of work for a while, or you're ready to head into the world of employment for the first time, many of us will be job hunting at the start of 2026. Looking for a job in the current market can be tough, depending on your line of work, and applying for jobs just to get rejections can be disheartening.
But one careers expert has said there is a perfect time of the year to apply for jobs, and we're fast approaching it. Molly Shapley, founder of Tools for Tomorrow, which shares advice on careers and youth empowerment, said in a TikTok video that February is the best time to apply for jobs, as there tend to be more opportunities available.
She said: "February is the best time to apply for jobs. There is going to be a huge influx of jobs in February because companies have signed off on their hiring budgets for the year."
Molly added that she was sharing this information ahead of time so that anyone looking for a job has plenty of time in January to do one very important thing - doing their research.
Researching companies you might like to work for can put you one step ahead when it comes to applying for jobs, as it can help you tailor your covering letter to give you the best chance of landing an interview.
She continued: "You have all of this time to research the companies you want to work for, and you can reach out directly to those companies before they hire. Why? Because if your name is already in their heads, they might not even put the job application out there.
"Please have your cover letter done, please have your CV updated and ready to go. Be specific, use examples, do all of that stuff. Please be prepared for when February comes around, because this is going to be such a good opportunity for you to get what you want."
Making yourself known to a company before you apply for a job can help get your name out there so the hiring manager recognises you, but it's never a guarantee for a job offer. You'll still need to write a good CV and ace your interview if you're successful in getting to that stage.
Commenters on the video thanked the expert for her advice, with many saying they would be using her tips to hopefully secure a job by next month.
One person said: "Noted, thanks for this gem." Another added: "Oh god, I hope so!" Meanwhile, a third wrote: "We love to hear this."
Tips for a good CV
1. Tailor your CV: Customise your CV for each job application. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the position. This is where researching the job and the company you're applying for will come in handy.
2. Keep it concise: Try to keep your CV to one page, or two pages at an absolute maximum. Be clear and to the point, and avoid unnecessary details or waffling.
3. Use a clear layout: Make sure everything is easy to read at a glance. Use headings, bullet points, and concise formatting. Choose a professional font - no Comic Sans allowed! - and ensure there's plenty of space on the page.
4. Start with a strong profile: Write a brief personal statement or summary at the top, highlighting your key skills, experience, and career goals. This will often be the first thing the hiring manager sees, so make sure it's the best it can be.
5. Focus on achievements: Under each job, focus on what you achieved, not just your duties. If you helped to boost sales by 20% or you led a project to successful completion, make sure this is highlighted.
6. Highlight relevant skills: Include a skills section with both technical and soft skills relevant to the job. These do not have to be things you have learnt in previous jobs, but could be things you learnt in school or self-taught.
7. Include education and qualifications: List your most recent or relevant qualifications first. Include dates, institutions, and any honours or distinctions. If you went to university, just listing your degree and your A-Levels is usually enough, unless you have an extremely relevant GCSE qualification.
8. Proofread carefully and be honest: Check for spelling and grammar errors, getting someone else to double-check it if you're not confident in your own abilities. Also, make sure you're being honest with your achievements. Employers may check your references, so you never want to exaggerate or lie about your experience.
9. Add extra sections if relevant: Depending on your skills and experience, and the job you're applying for, you may find it beneficial to add sections detailing languages you speak, certifications you hold, or volunteer work you've done.