The holidays are here – twinkling lights, Christmas jumpers, endless mince pies. It might feel like the wrong time to look for a new role, but in reality, December can be one of the best months to send out applications. While other job seekers are on a break, you’ve got the chance to shine!
Why December Job Hunting is a Gift
- Less competition under the tree: Many people hit pause on their search, leaving you more room to stand out.
- Companies on Santa’s “urgent” list: Some employers want to use up their hiring budgets before year-end.
- Planning for the New Year: Businesses are already wrapping up 2025 strategies—get in before roles are unwrapped in January.
- Managers with more time: With fewer meetings and deadlines, recruiters and hiring managers may have more headspace to notice you.
Festive Tips to Sparkle in Your Search
- Polish your CV like it’s the star on top of the tree
Use the quieter season to perfect your CV and cover letters so they shine bright. We find that cover letters depend on the role you’re applying for. - Network at holiday events
From work parties to alumni gatherings, casual conversations can lead to career connections. People are in good spirits, which makes it easier to build rapport. - Send “Christmas” messages
A simple festive message on LinkedIn (without pushing too hard) can remind contacts you’re around and open to opportunities. - Wrap applications with care
Tailor each application – think of it like giving a thoughtful gift, not a generic pair of socks. - Follow up in the New Year
Hiring can slow when people are out of office, so a polite nudge in early January can land right when decisions are being made.
Ring in the New Year with Momentum
By job hunting now, you’ll be ready to launch into January while others are just dusting off their CVs. Think of December as planting seeds – you may not see results until the New Year, but you’ll already be ahead of the crowd.
Final Cheer – So don’t put your career on ice this December. With some festive networking, thoughtful applications, and a little patience, you may start the New Year with the best gift of all… a brand-new role!
