Don’t pause your job search

The holiday season is here, and along with the twinkling lights and year-end recaps, there’s a persistent piece of advice: “Just wait until January to job hunt. No one’s hiring during the holidays.”

But is that really true?

Conventional wisdom might say companies slow down, hiring managers go on vacation, and it’s not worth the effort. In my experience, that’s only part of the story. Yes, the holidays can bring challenges. People are harder to reach, and some companies hit pause until the new year. But here’s what the conventional wisdom doesn’t tell you: the quieter pace of December can actually be an opportunity for job seekers to stand out.

If you’re staying in the game, here’s how to manage your job search effectively through the holidays.

1. Don’t Fall for the “Holiday Slowdown” Myth

While some companies may take a break, others are actively hiring, especially for roles they need filled by Q1 or for projects kicking off in January. Some even have end-of-year budget pressures, creating urgency to make hires before December 31.

And with fewer candidates applying during the holidays, you’re competing with a smaller pool of applicants. If you can stay consistent while others pause, you’ll have a better chance of getting noticed.

2. Leverage Holiday Networking

This season is packed with opportunities to make connections. Think beyond traditional job applications:

• Attend virtual or in-person professional events to connect with industry peers.

• Send holiday greetings to your network with a thoughtful update about your career goals.

• Reconnect with former colleagues or mentors over coffee or Zoom. The end of the year is a great excuse to catch up and see if they know of opportunities on the horizon.

Sometimes the best opportunities come from unexpected conversations during the holidays.

3. Use Downtime Strategically

The slower pace of December can be perfect for catching up on career “maintenance” you might otherwise overlook:

• Refresh your resume and LinkedIn profile to reflect your most recent accomplishments.

• Research companies you admire and make a list of target roles.

• Reflect on your career goals for the upcoming year and refine your strategy.

This prep work isn’t just busywork—it lays the foundation for a stronger start in the new year.

4. Stay Consistent (and Patient)

It’s easy to feel discouraged if responses are slow or your inbox is quieter than usual. But persistence is key. Even if hiring managers are taking time off, your application or outreach will be waiting for them when they return. Consistency now can position you for success later.

Set small, manageable goals each week—like applying to three roles or sending five networking messages—to keep your momentum going without burning out.

What I’m Doing Differently

For me, this holiday season looks a little different. I’m splitting my efforts between pursuing new opportunities and building a consulting business. It’s a balancing act, but it feels like the right time to diversify my focus.

On the job search side, I’m leaning into networking and staying consistent with my outreach, knowing that the effort I put in now could pay off in January or beyond.

On the consulting side, I’m taking advantage of the slower season to build my foundation, define my offerings, refine my website, and reach out to potential clients who might need support heading into the new year.

Both paths require persistence, patience, and the willingness to show up when it feels like no one else is.

The Bottom Line

The holidays aren’t a reason to stop your job search. They’re a chance to stand out. While others hit pause, you can keep building momentum, whether that’s through consistent applications, thoughtful networking, or laying the groundwork for a consulting business like I am.

Because here’s the thing: success often comes from showing up when others don’t.

So, what will you do with this holiday season?