Have you been led to believe that the festive period around Christmas and New Year is not the right time for job hunting?
This is actually not the case, and our recruiters know this firsthand.
“Even though at the end of the month everyone starts to prepare for the holiday break, the start to the middle of December can be a prime time for candidates to secure a job for the new year. Jobseekers can capitalise on scoring a role at a time when most people aren’t actively looking for work. Our clients still need staff in the new year - especially on an interim and contract basis - and searching doesn’t halt just because the holidays are approaching,” says Elise Martin, Division Manager of Management Resources - Finance & Accounting in our Mount Waverley branch.
There are boundless articles online that suggest you avoid the end of the year period for applying for jobs, with most reasons attributed to company personnel on leave over the popular holiday period, or general activity in most workplaces declining.
These opinions often overlook the fact that now can be an excellent time to dust off your CV, update it accordingly and start your job hunt. It also overlooks the fact there are many unique job opportunities at this time of year and sometimes last-minute scrambling from businesses to have full teams to hit the ground running in the new year.
Join us as we debunk the myths around end-of-year recruitment and explain why you should begin job hunting in December, rather than waiting until the new year.
Related: Why recruiting in December can give you a competitive edge
Many articles suggest that hiring budgets will be drained by the end of the year and you should wait for the new year to begin job hunting.
The truth is, heads of department within any company will project what their hiring plans will be for Q1 - Q4 well in advance so that the yearly budget for hires can be approved by the Finance Director. Any hard-won hiring budget will need to be utilised at year-end to ensure a similar hiring budget can be secured for the following year.
However, recruitment doesn’t always manage to follow the carefully outlined plans. Some hires may take longer to recruit than others, whilst some candidates hired may end up not being the right fit for the business. This will mean that by the time the end of the year comes around, there can still be plenty of budget left for new hires, and hiring managers on the lookout for fresh talent.
If you’re planning on leaving your job hunting until January, you may want to reevaluate that decision. January is often a very busy time of year for many companies and so managers may struggle to fit in interviews and training of new staff members.
The end of the year, especially just before the holiday period, can often be calmer in terms of workload, making it easier for teams to consider their recruitment for the year ahead. This makes it an ideal time for you to get in touch with companies and to start applying for jobs.
Many employers would like to hire new starters using a carefully planned hiring process that would ensure the right candidate is sourced the first time. Training can be conducted following a well-structured induction plan that will allow for new starters to be brought up to speed quickly and effectively.
If recruitment takes place at the end of the year, you can then be fully trained and inducted, so you’re ready to hit the ground running in January, just like the rest of the workforce.
The benefit to you of applying now, rather than waiting until the new year, is that the hiring process can be much speedier. You can expect a lower applicant rate and clearer calendars make it easier for interviews to be scheduled with the hiring manager.
If you wait till January to start job hunting, along with everyone else, your CV will be joining the hoard of other job hunter’s CVs on a hiring manager’s desk.
Use the myth that job hiring stops during the festive holiday period to your favour. While everyone else waits to start their job search in January, start your job hunt in earnest now. Fewer applicants mean more chances of your CV being noticed and a quicker hiring process. So, make sure you craft the perfect CV, cover letter and get job hunting now.
Christmas is a huge national holiday and it is easy to believe that most employers will be winding down and not interested in conducting interviews during the festive season.
While this may have been the case in the past, in the digital 21st Century, businesses don’t come to an abrupt stop just because it’s Christmas. Resist your own temptation to stop completely over Christmas and New Year and start job hunting now. If you’re in need of some motivation to kickstart your job hunt, listen to these 13 top career podcasts.
If a new job is high on your Christmas list, job hunting in December will help you achieve that.
But while December offers unique opportunities, it's important to be mindful of potential challenges.
During this period, some companies may operate with reduced staff during the holidays, leading to slower response times or delayed hiring processes. To navigate this, be patient, understanding and get in touch earlier in the month before people go on leave. Avoid taking delays personally and follow up politely after a reasonable period.
Additionally, competition for certain roles may increase as companies aim to fill positions before the new year. To stand out, focus on tailoring your applications to each specific role, highlighting your relevant skills and achievements. Be prepared for potential scheduling conflicts due to holiday commitments. Communicate your availability clearly and be flexible when arranging interviews or meetings.
Finally, maintain a positive attitude and don't get discouraged by any temporary setbacks. Remember, December can still be a productive time for job hunting, and with the right approach, you can overcome these challenges and land your dream job.
Ignore the myth that hiring managers are not looking for candidates at the end of the year.
Businesses are still recruiting and are looking to get talent in place now for the new year. Put yourself ahead of everyone by updating your CV, attending networking events, scouring potential employer’s social media accounts, searching for jobs with Robert Half or conducting job searches on LinkedIn now.
You may even be able to secure a new job before the end of the year and start your new role in January – a new job for a new year.
Is it hard to find a job in December?
No, it's not necessarily harder to find a job in December. While some companies may slow down hiring during the holidays, others ramp up their efforts to fill open positions before the new year. In fact, you might even face less competition as many job seekers pause their searches.
How competitive is the job market in December?
Many job seekers put their search on hold for the holidays, creating less competition for those who stay active. However, companies often have year-end budgets to use or are eager to fill roles before the new year starts. This can lead to a surge in job postings and a more focused hiring process. So, if you're prepared and persistent, December can be a great time to land a new job.
Should I focus on temporary or permanent jobs in December?
The choice between temporary or permanent jobs in December depends on your individual career goals and circumstances. Temporary roles can be a great way to gain experience, network, and potentially lead to a permanent offer. Permanent positions offer more stability and long-term benefits. In December, both types of roles are available, so it's worth exploring both options and seeing which best suits your needs.
