
Q3 Career Sprint: Make Your Move While Everyone Else Logs Off
July to September can feel like the work world runs on out-of-office replies. Yet European employers still report a net hiring outlook of 19 percent for Q3 2025 according to ManpowerGroup’s latest survey.In other words, the demand is there even if inbox volume is down. At the same time, the EU job-vacancy rate has dipped to 2.2 percent, its lowest in two years.Fewer listings mean less noise, giving prepared candidates a clearer stage.
Why Q3 Works in Your Favour
• Lean but committed hiring
With budgets set in Q1 and Q2, managers still have roles to fill before year-end targets lock in.
• Higher response rates
Recruiters receive fewer speculative CVs, so well-tailored outreach stands out.
• Decision-maker availability
Senior leaders often take shorter, staggered breaks rather than vanishing for a full month, making scheduling easier than you expect.
Five Quick Wins for Your Summer Career Sprint
- Audit your online profile
Swap buzzwords for results. Replace “responsible for” with one measurable achievement per role. - Book micro-networking slots
Aim for fifteen-minute virtual coffees. People have lighter calendars and welcome concise catch-ups. - Target growth pockets
IT leads Q3 hiring intent at 36 per cent, followed by financial and real-estate services at 28 percent. Cleantech start-ups also keep posting niche engineering roles despite funding fluctuations. - Upskill strategically
Complete one short course aligned with sector shortages. Think power electronics for battery storage or secure-by-design principles for cybersecurity. - Engage a specialist recruiter
Niche agencies track off-market briefs that never hit job boards. A single conversation can surface hidden openings before the September rush.
Your Next Step
Treat Q3 as a sprint, not a gap. Tighten your story, reach out with intent, and move while the market is quieter. Intelligent Employment works across cleantech, deep tech, and advanced manufacturing. Let’s map where your skills fit and set you up for fourth-quarter offers.