Leadership

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

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

ByBrian O'Connell

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Xavier Lorenzo.Getty Images

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........

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