Conventional wisdom says to put your job search on hold during the holidays. "No one hires in December." "Everyone's on vacation." "Wait until January."
But is that actually true?
The Myth
Many job seekers pause their search from mid-November through early January, assuming:
- Companies don't make hiring decisions during holidays
- Recruiters are out of office
- No point in applying when no one's looking
The Reality
Here's what actually happens:
1. Competition Drops Dramatically
Because everyone thinks it's pointless to apply, the people who do apply face much less competition. Your resume is one of 50 instead of one of 300.
2. Budget Cycles Create Urgency
Many companies have "use it or lose it" hiring budgets. If they don't fill open roles by year-end, they may lose the headcount. This creates pressure to hire quickly in Q4.
3. January Planning Starts in December
Hiring managers often use the slower December period to plan Q1 hiring. Getting on their radar now means being considered for January starts.
4. Some Recruiters Have More Time
With fewer active searches and candidates, recruiters may actually have more bandwidth to give your application proper attention.
Holiday Job Search Strategies
Leverage Holiday Parties
Personal and professional holiday gatherings are networking opportunities. People are relaxed and open to conversation. Mention you're looking—you never know who knows someone.
Use "Down Time" Productively
- Update and optimize your LinkedIn profile
- Refresh your resume
- Research target companies
- Prepare for Q1 interviews
- Build your skills with online courses
Send Warm Outreach
Holiday greetings give you a natural excuse to reach out to your network. "Happy holidays! Hope you're well. By the way, I'm exploring new opportunities in [field]..."
Apply to Posted Roles
If a job is posted during the holidays, that's a strong signal the company is serious about filling it. Apply.
When to Take a Real Break
That said, job searching is exhausting. If you're burned out, the holidays can be a good time to truly rest and recharge. A week or two off won't destroy your search.
The key is to be intentional. Don't stop searching because you assume it's pointless. Stop because you need rest.
Q1 Head Start
If you stay active during the holidays, you'll be ahead of the January rush. While everyone else is "starting fresh," you'll already have conversations in progress.
Sometimes the best time to do something is when everyone else isn't.