You might think it makes sense to ease up on your job search during the holidays, but it’s actually the perfect time to maintain forward momentum.
Some employers are less busy, others are more in a giving spirit, and still others have roles to fill now.
Just as importantly, there are networking opportunities aplenty at this time of year while competition can be down as other job seekers focus on family, celebration, and the belief that hiring doesn’t take place during this time.
PLEASE, take time to celebrate with loved ones, but heed this advice to keep furthering your employment goals!
We asked our global membership of career coaches and interview coaches:
How can you maintain traction and keep momentum in your job search during the holiday season?
They provided us with the following great tips:
“The holiday season is an ideal time to keep the job search momentum going rather than slowing down. Many candidates pause their search, which reduces competition, making it a prime opportunity to stand out. Start by focusing on networking, as social and professional gatherings can create natural opportunities for conversations. Attend industry-related events, and don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals for informational interviews. Express genuine interest in learning about others’ work, as this could lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
Another way to maintain traction is by organizing your search. Refresh and target your resume, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile. Tailor your applications to each position, focusing on the skills and experiences that make you a strong fit. Additionally, scheduling applications for the New Year can give you a head start. Recruiters often return after the holidays to a backlog of applications, so submitting yours early can increase the chances of being seen.
Finally, focus on skill-building and knowledge expansion. Online courses, certifications, or skill-building projects will help you stay productive and enhance your qualifications. Employers appreciate candidates who invest in their own development, especially during the holidays. The goal is to make progress daily, even if it’s small. This approach keeps you engaged and prepared to seize opportunities as they arise.”
– Ken Docherty, Vancouver Resume Writing & Interview Coaching Services
“During the holidays, shift your focus to cultivating meaningful connections. Take advantage of festive gatherings and end-of-year events to deepen relationships, even if they are virtual. This is also a good time to send personalized messages to your network, expressing genuine interest in their recent work or developments. Another option is set small goals, like updating LinkedIn with specific achievements or reading up on industry trends, to stay engaged without the intensity of peak job search. Most people overlook the holiday season, but this quieter time allows for follow-ups with recruiters or connection and can set a good trajectory going into the new year.”
– Scott Gardner, CPRW, CERM, CIC, Vitae Express
“Never take your foot off the gas. Ever. The best strategy to maintain traction and momentum involves determination and the realization that amazing opportunities often happen when everyone is asleep (or full of turkey). So, while it’s important to give yourself breaks and care for your mental health, pay equal attention to opportunities.
- Be sure you have alerts dialed in and minimize the amount of manual work whenever possible.
- Don’t forget that Google is a search engine. You can look for jobs there, too!
- Cultivate a list of your target companies, and again, create alerts so the tech does the heavy lifting.
And finally, let the spirit of the season carry you into new relationships and networking opportunities. People love to help others during the holidays, so this is an excellent opportunity to make new connections who might support your job search.
Happy holidays!”
– Krista Morris, Virtuoso Resumes & Recruiting
“The holiday season is often an overlooked prime job search time! There are typically fewer active job seekers, so there is less competition. Many companies are eager to fill roles before budgets reset, while others are planning annual budgets and looking ahead to fill future roles. Ensure your resume and LinkedIn are updated to be ready for quick decisions or a hiring surge in the new year!”
– Deirdre Rock, Composed Career LLC
“Morale = job search fuel. Rejection and stress depletes your morale, making your search longer and less bearable. Keep your tank full:
- Break it down: Instead of setting a broad goal like ‘find a job,’ consider small steps like connecting with 1 person per day on LinkedIn.
- Prioritize: Identify and complete the most important tasks first. See ‘Eat That Frog.’
- People power: Holiday gatherings are opportunities to network with peers and possible job resources.”
– Daryn Edelman, eWriter, LLC
“First and foremost, job searching exacts a toll. Take time over the holiday season when others are not available to rest and recharge. Find things to do with yourself, your family, and friends that are no cost or low cost. Take time to think about what this season or an old year ending and a new one beginning mean to you. This will mentally prepare you for January.
Second, use this time to follow up on emails, leads, to do research on companies that interest you, reach out and make connections on social media with the holidays and year end in mind. It’s a great time to just say hello. Then when you reach out again in January it’s not out of nowhere – and people remember when others take the time to simple say hello and wish them well.
Review your year, your resume, your cover letter template, your LinkedIn profile – what worked and what didn’t? Not getting the offer didn’t mean that the rest of your tools didn’t work. Come up with a plan for your new year of job searching and networking? Is it time to learn or improve skills? Take some days where you don’t even think about your job search.
All of these things will help you move forward on your path and hopefully new energy, new insights, and new connections will connect you with your next great opportunity!”
– Heather Halldin, Halldin Consulting
“Sustaining job search momentum during the holiday season might seem challenging, but the holidays can actually be one of the best times of the year to uncover golden opportunities. There’s a ramp-up in seasonal events that naturally encourage making new connections and rekindling old ones. Use holiday networking to reconnect authentically. If attending holiday gatherings isn’t your style, leverage the end of the year to refine your personal brand.
Review your LinkedIn profile and resume to ensure your value offer is clear and fully aligned with the roles you’re targeting. Dive into company research, set up job alerts, and find ways to connect with others in your industry by joining groups and participating in online discussions.
Many think the holiday season puts a pause on job search activity—when really, it’s a pivot point. Use this time to build meaningful connections, clarify your career goals, and create a strategy that will position you for success when hiring surges in the new year.”
– Tammy Shoup, Breakthrough Resume Writing Service, LLC
“You can maintain traction and keep momentum in your job search during the holiday season by actively networking, staying focused on your goals, refining your skill sets, and updating your brand marketing collateral. It is important to stay updated with the recent labor market trends and developments. Exercising self-care is also vital for being productive and successful in your job search.”
– Lori A. Jazvac, Creative Horizons Communications
“Not many people realize this but the holiday season is a prime time for job seekers. With reduced competition (many job seekers take a pause during the holidays), your application has a higher chance of standing out. Plus, hiring managers are often finalizing year-end budgets or planning for the new year, which means roles are available. Use this time to reach out to your network with a warm, thoughtful message, like sharing a year-end highlight or asking for advice, rather than a direct job ask. Keep consistent and set small, achievable weekly goals to keep the momentum and avoid holiday burnout.”
– Ashley Britten, New Leaf Careers
“Think of the holiday period as an opportunity, not an obstacle—when others are slowing down, you’re pushing forward with impact.
#1 – Catch Decision-Makers When They’re More Accessible
During the holidays, schedules often open up, making hiring managers and other contacts more reachable. This is the perfect time for quick, informal coffee chats—either virtual or in-person. As an ex-recruiter, I’ve seen candidates make strong impressions with simple, thoughtful messages acknowledging the quieter season: “I know things might be winding down this month, so I thought this would be a great time to connect and learn more about your team’s goals for the new year.” You’ll stand out for your respectfulness, and people will remember you when hiring picks up.
#2 – Jump on Year-End & Short-Term Contract Roles
Many companies are scrambling to wrap up projects, and they need extra hands. Short-term roles can lead to lasting opportunities; I’ve seen temp hires brought on full-time because they proved their value when it mattered. Keep an eye on temporary or contract listings and approach each one as an extended interview. Even a few weeks on a project can establish relationships, especially if you bring an “all-in” attitude and deliver great results.
#3 – Showcase Your Expertise on LinkedIn with High-Value Posts
Most people go silent on LinkedIn during the holidays—use this to your advantage by sharing relevant industry insights. Think about what’s changing in your field or key issues to look out for in the new year. If you’re in cybersecurity, for example, post about the latest security threats or 2024 trends. By positioning yourself as a go-to resource, you keep your profile in front of hiring managers and recruiters who are actively scrolling for top talent.
#4 – Go All-In on Holiday Networking Events with a Strategic Pitch
Use holiday mixers and industry meet-ups as networking goldmines. Prepare a “curiosity pitch”—something that’s more specific and memorable than the standard elevator speech. For instance, instead of saying, “I’m in IT,” try: “I specialize in cybersecurity for financial firms, ensuring systems stay airtight against evolving threats.” This gets people intrigued and leads to deeper conversations. And always follow up the next day—few people do, which makes you stand out instantly.
#5 – Revamp Your Resume & LinkedIn for the January Surge
Think of the holidays as your prep period. As an ex-recruiter, I can confirm: hiring teams often use this downtime to refresh talent pools and pre-schedule January interviews. Make sure your resume and LinkedIn profile are laser-focused on the roles you’re targeting, with clear, quantifiable achievements. Optimize your LinkedIn headline to make it recruiter-friendly (e.g., “Cybersecurity Specialist | Protecting Financial Systems from Next-Gen Threats”) and double-check that every bullet point in your resume drives home your impact.
#6 – Tap into Hidden Opportunities by Reaching Out to Past Contacts
The holiday season is ideal for reconnecting with old contacts or colleagues—many of whom are in a reflective, year-end mindset and open to catching up. Send short, personalized messages to people you’ve worked with, expressing genuine interest in their latest projects and goals for the new year. Avoid generic asks; instead, position yourself as a solution to their needs. This proactive approach can put you on the radar for roles that haven’t even been posted yet.
By leaning into these strategies, you’ll keep your job search moving forward while others are taking a break. When January rolls around, you’ll be miles ahead of the competition, already connected with the right people, and ready to act.”
– Yuvika Iyer, Careerlinko
What this means to you if you’re trying to maintain job search momentum during the holidays:
Remember that the holidays are a ripe time for renewing relationships, establishing contacts, and making networking a part of the festive season.
With the right attitude and strategies, you can move the needle now and effectively plant seeds for the new year.
Need help taking this important step?
CDI is a global professional association of the industry’s top resume writers, career coaches and other career professionals. Our robust directory will let you search for the perfect practitioner to make your successful transition. Each of the participating professionals featured in this post can be reached via their links or by searching the directory.
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