Putting off your job search until next year? Here's why that's a bad idea

With good jobs hard to come by right now, it might be tempting to push off that new job search into next year. But workplace experts say the complex numbers show it’s way better to start stacking career hay right now than waiting for the holiday smoke to clear.

“According to the data we track, there's actually quite a bit of hiring activity in December as companies anticipate Q1, 2026 needs,” said Lacey Kaelani, CEO of Metaintro, a job search engine platform.

Meanwhile, the volume of applicants drops significantly in December (by 20-25%), as most job seekers assume companies don't hire at the end of the year.

“For those job seekers who actively apply during December, this ends up offering a huge opportunity with less competition,” Kaelani said.

Conventional wisdom says December is a lousy month to track down a new job. But that’s not really the case. Here's what you should know.

Use it or lose it syndrome

Career experts say there’s a myth that “no one is hiring” in December. In reality, roles are still being opened, and interviews are being scheduled, primarily by hiring managers who want a head start on Q1.

“Companies often have use-it-or-lose-it headcount to fill, and proactive candidates stand out far more easily in a quieter inbox,” said Margaret Bui, a talent acquisition manager at U.K.-based Mixmax, a professional recruiting firm. “As a recruiter, I’ve extended offers in the last week of December and started new interview processes over the holidays. The candidates who are visible now are the ones getting those calls.”

Beware the January effect

People who plan on looking for jobs in January will also run into the January effect, Kaelani said. “That’s a time when everyone returns to job searching at the same time,” she said.

The result is three or four times as many applicants for the same position. “Recruiters and hiring managers are inundated with applications in January,” Kaelani said. “However, in December, they are typically much more responsive to applicants because the number of applicants is considerably lower.”

3 big advantages of a December search

Bui said there are three significant benefits to staying active in a December job hunt.

Less competition. Most job seekers pause in December. “That means fewer applicants per role and a much greater chance of standing out,” she said. “That’s especially the case if you're applying thoughtfully and tailoring your materials to specific companies.”

Access to decision-makers. Senior leaders often have quieter calendars in the weeks leading up to the holidays. “It’s a good time to reach out for informational chats or to follow up on past applications,” Bui said. “You’re more likely to get a reply.”

Momentum counts. Job searches take time. If you start now, whether it’s networking, revamping your resume, or applying to key roles, you’ll already be in mid-process when others are just getting started in January. “That head start can shave weeks off your time-to-offer,” Bui added.

Deploy these December job-search tips

Hiring experts are not only bullish on the end-of-the-year, but they also say it’s a great time to take full advantage of the job market if you use your time smartly. These tips can help.

Build a social network around the holidays

Make the most of holiday gatherings as an opportunity to learn and connect. “An uncle, aunt, or cousin may be able to provide valuable insights regarding your job search,” said MaryAnne Hyland, dean of Adelphi University’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business. “Sending a holiday email or card to targeted members of your network may spark a conversation that could lead to career advice or even a connection to someone who is hiring.”

Update and tailor your LinkedIn profile

Hiring managers are still browsing LinkedIn over the holidays. “Make sure your headline is clear (e.g., “Financial Analyst | Excel & SQL | Experience with SaaS + FMCG”) and that your ‘About’ section includes measurable achievements,” Bui said.

Do warm outreach right now

Reach out to 10 people in your target industry with a friendly note, Bui said. The note should follow this template, she added:

“Hi [Name], I’m currently exploring new opportunities in [area], and I admire your background at [Company]. If you have 15 minutes for a quick chat after the holidays, I’d really value your insights.”

“Send the message now, then schedule the conversation for January,” Bui said. “That way, you already have meetings lined up before the year even begins.”

Blow by any stop signs

Steven Lowell, a career coach and reverse recruiter at Find My Profession, advises holiday season job seekers to ignore all signs that a job is closed or that they were rejected.

“Yes, I said it,” he said. “Have you ever seen when a job is no longer accepting applications? Ignore it. Reach out to the people who posted the job and ask if they would do you a favor and accept your resume for that position.”

Time is a commodity, and job seekers should use it well

Around the holidays, job hunters may make too much of the calendar issue. Don’t do that, Lowell advised. “Remember, we’re in a global economy,” he said. “ The idea that 'everyone is on vacation' is something that would only apply if you were doing a local, in-person job search.”

It’s also a good idea to be practical if you don’t get hired in December, as the month can also be used to ‘set the table’ for a January hire.

“The reality is that most companies aren’t going to rush to hire someone just because they want to do so before the end of the year, but getting in front of them in December versus January can make the difference between getting that interview or being looked over,” said John J. Lane, co-founder at Landing Point, an executive placement and recruiting firm. “After all, you can't treat your job search as a part-time project and expect full-time results.”

Taking a part-time gig during the holidays can help, since everyone could use a little extra help THEN. “Those seasonal retail jobs and volunteering are a great way to build social capital that will help you with finding work in the new year,” Lowell said.

Lowell’s first job out of college was a toy demonstrator at FAO Schwartz. “I got the job by asking a manager while walking through their store in New York City,” he said. “It's all out there. Job seeking never goes on vacation.”