If you’re ready to take your first or next step on the career ladder, there are times of year when there may be more vacancies than others. As well as economic conditions and the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, there is also an underlying seasonality in recruitment which creates natural peaks and troughs in the level of demand in certain industries.

It’s important to be aware of this seasonality because it could create a false view of the number of opportunities in your sector or the level of demand for your skills, which might change your plans entirely.

Factors that affect demand

Fortunately, the level of demand for bilingual workers is high all year round thanks to the linguistic skills shortage in the UK. However, there are still times when those roles might be harder to find than others. Factors that affect the level of demand in the recruitment market include:

• The availability of decision makers and interviewers during the summer months;
• Limited funding available for new hires at the end of the financial year;
• The uncertainty surrounding Brexit which may cause businesses in certain industries, particularly construction, to put new projects on hold;
• Seasonality in some industries, such as retail in the run-up to Christmas and tourism during the summer;
• Cutbacks in some industries;
• The annual graduate recruitment rush.

The right time to start your search

So, when is the right time to start your search for a new role? Here’s our look at the impact of seasonality on the recruitment market by quarter.

Quarter 1 – January to March

There’s typically an increase in the number of candidates looking to change roles at the start of the year as they try to stick to those career-based New Year’s resolutions. However, with more people leaving their jobs, there is also an increase in vacancies, and this recruitment carousel makes it a good time to find a new role. After the New Year rush, the number of postings tends to fall as the end of the financial year approaches.

Quarter 2 – April to June

Once the budgets have been drawn up for the year ahead, there’s often a glut of new vacancies as employers look for new candidates with the skills to grow their teams. Although the number of roles increases, demand typically remains the same. This can make it an excellent time to enter the recruitment market. Towards the end of the quarter, graduate recruitment begins.

Quarter 3 – July to September

If you’re looking for a long-term position, the summer months are not necessarily the best time to bag a new job as many of the key decision makers are away. However, there is a big increase in temporary roles in the tourism industry which can suit bilingual candidates and students looking for work over the summer. In September, the market starts to pick up again.

Quarter 4 – October to December

The autumn is an excellent time to look for a new job as it is one of the busiest periods in the recruitment market. The end of the summer forces employers and candidates to reacclimatise to office life, which makes new jobs and filling vacant roles a priority. The education sector is also back in full swing and many events and marketing companies are on the lookout for new staff in the run-up to Christmas.

Ready to start your bilingual job search?

Now is an excellent time to search for a new role. At Linguistica Recruitment, we currently have plenty of vacancies for talented bilingual candidates. Send us your CV or get in touch to discuss your requirements.

If you’re looking for a job in translation, here’s an overview of the qualifications that are recognised by companies in the UK.

Currently, there is no single regulatory body that oversees the UK translation industry. That means there are a number of different translation qualifications out there you can work towards. However, not all formal translation qualifications are equal, so it pays to know exactly which certificates carry the most weight with employers and are the strongest indicator of your linguistic competence.

For example, what’s the difference between an MA in Translation Studies and an MSc in Translating? From an employer’s point of view, would it be worth paying more for an individual with a BA in Translation Studies or a Diploma in Translation? We hope to clear all that up.

1. Diploma in Translation (DipTrans)

The main difference between a Diploma in Translation and a BA, MA or PhD is that it is a vocational qualification, which means it is more focused on preparing new translators and those already working in the industry for the challenges they will face at work.

The Diploma in Translation is a postgraduate qualification intended for those who have already reached a level of linguistic competence at least equivalent to a good honours degree, and who now want to embark on a career in translation.

The course will typically last for around 29 weeks and is available through the Chartered Institute of Linguists. Importantly, it is widely recognised both in the UK and overseas.

2. BA Translation Studies

As a starting point for someone who wants to pursue translation professionally, the BA in Translation is a solid choice. Applicants will need two to three A-levels at grades C and higher as a minimum, although it could be considerably higher depending on the university you apply to. Mature students with professional experience may also be accepted onto the course regardless of their academic qualifications.

This qualification takes the form of a typical degree programme, with theory and in-depth practical lessons, coursework and examinations, and can also include placements for on-the-job skills development. It is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Linguistics and the Institute of Language Educational Trust.

3. BA Translation and Interpreting with Modern Languages

This three or four-year course sees students choose two languages and develop their skills to the point where they are able to develop sophisticated arguments in both languages. It also includes either a semester or a full year spent studying abroad, as well as practical and theory lessons to build up linguistic proficiency.

The entry requirements are typically higher for this course than the BA in Translation Studies, with applicants to most universities needing three A-levels at grade B and above.

4. MA Translation Studies

This one-year full-time course, or two-year course for those who want to study part-time, is well suited to linguists who want to fine-tune their skills before entering a career in translation or engaging in further academic research and study. It’s also a good fit for those already working as professional translators who want to gain a formal qualification.

Most universities have an entry requirement of an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent for international applicants and the course currently costs £6,525 for UK students.

5. MSc Translating

Students taking this one-year full-time or two-year part-time course will translate between English and either one or two foreign languages. The course covers practical translating and the role of technology in translation. It also develops students’ analytical skills to help them solve translation problems and master the techniques required to translate at a professional level.

The course costs around £6,770 and requires an upper second-class honours degree or equivalent.

6. PhD in Translation Studies

Those with a merit or distinction in a postgraduate translation qualification may be eligible to complete a PhD if they want to carry out academic research or further studies. PhD students work with university staff to progress their individual research projects and ultimately achieve the highest level of academic qualification open to UK translators.

The course typically takes three years, although six-year part-time courses may be available.

Ready to put your translation qualifications to the test?

Whether you have a formal translation qualification or are simply looking for a job that makes the most of your linguistic skills, we can help. We find well-paid roles across the English South Coast.

Take a look at our current vacancies or send us your CV today.