Although many people focus on the busyness of the holidays in December, for those who are unemployed or underemployed, looking for a job likely remains top of mind.
You might be wondering, “Do companies actually interview or hire employees in December, or is it better to pause my job search until the new year?”
Here’s what you need to know about navigating your job search in December:
Do Companies Hire During December?
Although it’s common for some employers to slow down or pause their hiring as the year comes to a close, many companies actively recruit during December. This month can be a strategic time for job searching, as many organizations will continue to review applications and conduct interviews, even if formal job offers aren’t extended until January. Additionally, this time also presents unique networking chances at holiday gatherings and events.
Is December A Good Month To Look For A Job?
Yes, December can be a great time to search for a new role, especially in the tech industry, where competition can be fierce. Keeping your search going through the end of the year can give you an edge, as many candidates tend to pause their efforts during the holidays, resulting in less competition. Furthermore, December also offers seasonal and contract tech jobs.
3 Reasons To Keep Looking For A New Job In December
Let’s dive deeper into a few compelling reasons to keep up your job search momentum through December:
1. Benefit from less competition.
While there might be fewer job openings at your target companies during December, there’s often also less competition, which can significantly increase your chances of landing an interview.
As a tech career coach, I’ve found that December – along with June, July, and August – is one the most common times for people to pause their job search efforts.
This means you’re likely to face fewer applicants vying for the same roles, giving you a better likelihood of standing out.
2. Take advantage of holiday get-togethers.
The holiday season often involves numerous get-togethers, which are a fabulous opportunity to refresh your networking efforts. While I don’t recommend launching into your standard elevator pitch while enjoying your favorite holiday dishes with family and friends, you can use these gatherings strategically if you’re on the hunt for a new job.
For instance, when someone asks, “What’s new with you?” you might say, “I’m preparing for some exciting upcoming travel while confidentially looking for my next opportunity.” This casual response can open the door to conversation about the types of roles you’re interested in.
The key here is to start planting seeds within your network now so that you co revisit them in the new year when hiring tends to pick up considerably. This strategic and intentional approach allows you to capitalize on opportunities as they arise.
3. Get a leg up on fellow job seekers.
As mentioned previously, the beginning of the year is often a busy time for hiring. By keeping your job hunt active in December, you’ll have a significant leg up on job seekers who pause their searches during the holidays.
Many individuals spend the first few weeks of January hurrying to update their resumes while companies refresh their Careers pages with new openings and job boards fill with new opportunities.
But if you take care of those initial few steps in December, you’ll be 31 days ahead of your competition during one of the busiest hiring months of the year. Instead of scrambling, you can use this time to send follow-up messages to people met over the holidays and share your polished resume.
Final Tips For Your December Job Search
At the end of the day, only you can decide whether it makes sense to continue your job search during December. However, if you’re actively hunting for a new role and need to secure one sooner rather than later, it might make sense to keep your foot on the pedal through the final month of the year. Doing so will allow you to take advantage of reduced competition and position yourself ahead of those who choose to pause their search during the holidays. Staying proactive now can set you up for success when hiring ramps up in January. You’ve got this!
