Job Hunting in December: Seize the Opportunity or Wait for January?

December can be pretty challenging for job seekers. The holiday season, end-of-year wrap-ups, and vacation schedules create a low-energy hiring environment. However, if approached strategically, December can be an excellent time for job hunting. We spoke with our recruitment experts at Intellias to uncover the realities of December job hunting, share valuable tips, and highlight opportunities to make it an ideal time for your career change.

Why December might be a great time to job hunt

Recruiters at Intellias encourage job seekers to stay open to new opportunities throughout the year, including December. Here’s why:

• Active hiring until mid-December. In many countries, recruitment activity remains strong until mid-December. Companies aim to fill open roles before the holiday lull.
• Less competition. Many job seekers pause their search during the festive season, assuming employers aren’t hiring. It means less competition for you and a better chance of standing out.
• End-of-year budgets. Some companies may have unspent budget allocations and are keen to close roles before the year ends. This urgency can expedite the hiring process.

Challenges of December job hunting  

While there are advantages, it’s essential to be aware of the unique challenges that come with job hunting in December:

• Slower processes. From mid-December onward, hiring slows down as companies finalize budgets and staff take vacations. Decision-making might take longer.
• Reduced availability. Key stakeholders in the hiring process, such as hiring managers, may be unavailable, causing delays or interruptions.  
• Temporary holds. Certain roles may be postponed until the new fiscal year when budgets are reassessed.  

How to maximize your chances in December

Even with these challenges, you can set yourself up for success by adopting these strategies:

Plan your schedule

Understand your availability and align it with job-hunting activities. For example, if planning a vacation, block out time before or after to focus on interviews and applications.

Stay proactive

Keep an eye on job boards, company websites, and networking opportunities. Remember, not every company slows down in December; some actively seek candidates.

Network, network, network

The holiday season is ripe for networking. Attend industry events, join online communities, or connect with former colleagues and mentors. A personal referral can make all the difference.

Tailor your applications

With fewer opportunities, it’s even more important to customize your resume and cover letter for each role. Highlight skills and experiences relevant to the job description.

Use social media

Stay active on platforms like LinkedIn. Post about your career goals and engage with content in your field. Employers might notice your proactive approach.

Should you focus on skill development instead?

If you’re not actively job hunting, December can still be a productive month for your career. Use this time to:  

Learn new skills

Enroll in online courses to expand your expertise or acquire relevant certifications.  

Update your resume and portfolio

Reflect on your achievements over the year and update your materials accordingly.  

Research companies

Create a target list of employers and prepare for a more active search in January.

Opportunities at Intellias

At Intellias, we’re committed to finding the best talent regardless of the season. Check out our current openings and discover roles that might align perfectly with your career aspirations. From engineering to talent marketing, we have opportunities across various domains.

To wrap it up

December doesn’t have to be a quiet month for your career. Whether you’re actively job hunting or laying the groundwork for future success, this period offers unique advantages. With the right strategy and a proactive approach, you can turn December into the month that sets the stage for your next career milestone.