Why December Is a Strategic Time for Job Seekers
As the holiday season approaches, many job seekers assume hiring slows to a crawl and decide to take a break from their search. According to Ontario-based career coach and author Michelle Schafer, this could be a costly mistake.
"While it’s easy to get lulled into the holiday frenzy and away from your job search, the ones who continue to have a regular job search routine that includes consistent time for their search each day stand to benefit over those job seekers who slam on the brakes and take a big break," says Schafer.
The Hidden Opportunities in December Hiring
While December typically sees fewer job postings, companies don't stop hiring altogether. In fact, Schafer notes this month offers unique strategic advantages for those who stay active.
People are often more open to networking and informational interviews during this time, making it easier to build connections that could lead to opportunities in the new year.
"By continuing to reach out to others and keeping relationships fresh with recruiters, they are investing time now in 2025 that will pay dividends in early 2026," she explains.
End-of-Year Budgeting Creates Unexpected Openings
For those open to contract work, there's potential to land short-term roles that arise from leftover funds in company budgets.
"If organizations have extra money at the end of the year, they may be able to bring someone on for a short time to lead a project, do some office organization or provide strategic guidance as a consultant," Schafer says.
Holiday Social Events = Prime Networking Opportunities
The season brings ample social gatherings that serve as perfect settings for low-stakes networking. Schafer recommends job seekers be prepared with a concise professional pitch for casual conversations.
"Something like, 'I love leading large, complex technology projects that create efficiencies for teams and I'm currently seeking project leadership opportunities to drive expense reduction,'" she suggests. "You never know who you will meet or who knows of opportunities."
Small, Consistent Efforts Yield Big Results
If committing to a full-time search feels unrealistic during the holidays, Schafer advises focusing on small, consistent efforts rather than abandoning your search completely.
"Review your job alerts, reach out to others in your network, engage on LinkedIn and check in with recruiters," she recommends. "A small amount of time spent daily across these three activities can move a job search forward and position you for new opportunities in January."
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