Why October Is a Strategic Hiring Month for SEA Employers
For employers in Southeast Asia (SEA), timing is everything when it comes to recruitment. While great talent is sought year-round, certain months bring unique advantages that can shape hiring outcomes. October stands out as one of the most strategic months for talent acquisition in Thailand, Vietnam, and across the region.
The Hiring Momentum in Southeast Asia
According to SEEK’s Hiring, Compensation & Benefits Report 2025, job market activity across Southeast Asia was at its peak between September and October 2024. Among SEA employers, 51% were actively hiring during this period, with particularly strong demand in fast-growing economies like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand.
This reflects what many businesses already recognise: October is a prime time for recruitment. With half the region actively competing for talent, employers cannot afford to delay their hiring strategies. Working with reputable headhunting companies and engaging talent acquisition consultants ensures businesses can attract candidates before competitors do.
Graduation Season and the Entry of New Talent
Fresh graduates play a critical role in SEA’s workforce pipeline, and October aligns well with graduation timelines.
In Thailand, for example, graduation ceremonies vary by institution. Many universities with mid-year academic calendars hold their graduations between March and May, while those starting in August often hold ceremonies in September or October. These schedules mean a steady wave of new graduates enter the job market just as employers are ramping up their Q4 recruitment efforts.
In Vietnam, graduation ceremonies typically occur after the second semester ends in May or June. However, certain universities—including international institutions like RMIT Vietnam and Swinburne Vietnam—hold ceremonies as late as October. This timing ensures that a fresh pool of young, motivated candidates is ready for the job market, making October an ideal month for employers to connect with new graduates.
Industries that thrive on hiring fresh graduates, such as engineering, IT, and finance, often launch job postings in September and October to lock in top talent early. Employers who miss this opportunity risk losing skilled candidates to other companies that take advantage of this crucial time.
Q4 Budget Cycles and Strategic Hiring
October marks the start of the final quarter of the year (Q4). According to insights from Upwork, this is when companies allocate their remaining annual budgets. Many departments prioritise using up their funds on hiring and projects before year-end to avoid potential budget cuts in the following year.
For employers in the SEA region, this translates to a stronger push for recruitment. By October, companies are prepared to make quick hiring decisions, schedule interviews, and onboard talent before the holiday slowdown.
This financial rhythm makes October a strategic month for employers to finalise headcount decisions and ensure that teams are fully staffed for the start of the new year. Working with a reliable recruitment company during this period ensures businesses can efficiently tap into available talent pools before budgets reset.
Beating the Year-End Rush
October is the last month before the year-end holiday season disrupts hiring cycles. According to Indeed, October is an “urgent hiring time” because managers want to fill open roles before the holiday season and key decision-makers go on leave. Onboarding new hires can take weeks, and October offers enough runway to integrate talent before the December slowdown.
Hiring in late November or December is notoriously difficult due to reduced candidate availability and stretched timelines. Employers that act in October not only secure stronger candidates but also avoid scrambling to fill roles at the last minute.
Why October Benefits Employers and Candidates
For recent graduates, October represents a fresh start, as they’re actively seeking full-time employment. For experienced professionals, it’s an appealing time to consider career changes after the slower summer months or before year-end appraisals.
Employers can gain access to a broader, more motivated talent pool. Recruitment agencies and talent acquisition specialists play a vital role in connecting companies with these candidates quickly and effectively.
Recruit high-quality talent on time with ASW Consulting
October is more than just another month in the hiring calendar—it’s a strategic opportunity for employers. For companies in Thailand, Vietnam, and the rest of Southeast Asia, the challenge lies not only in timing but also in execution.
As an experienced recruitment agency in Vietnam and Thailand, ASW Consulting can help you attract the right candidates, outpace your competitors, and build teams that will drive growth in the coming year. Our team of expert talent acquisition consultants in Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok can help you secure the talent you need to stay ahead. Contact our headhunting company in Thailand and Vietnam today for customised talent sourcing solutions.