A record number of candidates are using the 1pm slot every Tuesday to upload their CVs and apply for jobs.

According to Reed Employment, a recruitment outfit, 21 per cent of candidates on their database search for jobs at around 1pm every Monday with the same number returning the following day at the same time to upload their CVs.

The news dispels the widely held belief that job seekers spend their weekends trawling through the vacancy listings. According to Reed, the majority of bosses (21 per cent) still feel this is the case, posting their listings on a Friday at 5pm.

November is the busiest month for permanent job placements; a trend which has been consistent year on year, says Reed. The next most popular months are September and June. July is the peak time for registrations, closely followed by January, when new year resolutions often include career changes.

The research also shows that, on average, jobseekers’ salaries drop in July and September when there are many more jobseekers on the market and employers have more choice.

Janine Parry, head of marketing at Reed Employment, commented: “November is always our busiest period for placing applicants into permanent roles. Companies often find they have budget still remaining and are keen to fill their positions before next year’s figures are decided, and before the Christmas lull.”

She added, however, that employers should not be dissuaded from recruiting in December. “There are plenty of good candidates on the market still and employers will have more time to interview them at their leisure and ensure these employees settle in well before next year. This is a good time for candidates too, with less competition from other jobseekers; they are in a stronger position to negotiate a better salary.”

Earlier this week, HR Zone reported that an ordinary job is the dream for most workers.