You might think “It’s nearly Christmas / New Year – should I stop job-searching until January?” The short answer: don’t stop. Here’s why and how to adapt your expectations.
Why you should keep going
- Hiring doesn’t stop entirely; it slows down but continues. Some companies still post new roles and process applications through December, especially roles that need to start early in the new year.
- Setting up alerts, uploading a CV and applying now gives you a head-start when hiring activity picks up after the holidays.
- If you wait until January to restart, you could be competing with a larger volume of active job-seekers.
- Use this quieter period to audit and improve your job-search tools (CV, cover letter template, LinkedIn profile) so you’re fully ready for the uptick.
How to adapt your strategy
- Set realistic expectations. You may not hear back as quickly during holiday weeks. Accept a slower response rate, but that doesn’t mean no response.
- Use monitoring/alerts now. Keep the alerts running so you see new roles as they appear. Even if you don’t apply immediately, you’ll spot trends in roles, keywords, demands.
- Prepare for January. Use this time to refine your CV, tailor templates, build your network, practice interview questions, update your portfolio or LinkedIn.
- Apply selectively. Because some hiring managers may be on leave, consider applying only to roles you are especially aligned with. That said, don’t assume everything is frozen.
- Follow-up early-January. If you applied during the holidays, plan to send a polite follow-up early in the new year.
- Maintain consistent activity. Even small daily steps (upload CV, set alert, network 5 minutes) keep your momentum and motivation.
This week: refresh one job alert → check one job board → apply to one role even if it starts in January → write a “January job-search kickoff” to-do list (update CV, review LinkedIn, network outreach).
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