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Why Waiting for January Could Cost You Your Dream Job

  • Publish Date: Posted 3 days ago

The Winter Holidays: A time to eat too much, watch too many cheesy movies, and... job search?

Yeah, you read that right.

While you're decking the halls, companies are still hiring, and there's less competition out there because most people tend to hit the pause button until January.

The trick is to balance job hunting without turning into a Grinch. Here’s how to make the most of the festive season and your career prospects.

1. Don’t Assume Companies Are on Holiday

Sure, things might slow down, but recruiters and hiring managers don’t all vanish. Many businesses are actively trying to fill roles before the year ends or set themselves up for a strong start in January.

Why it’s a great time to apply:

  • Budgets need to be spent before the year closes.

  • Teams are preparing for Q1 hires now.

  • There’s less competition because other job seekers are too busy telling themselves "I'll wait until the New Year".

2. Block Off Dedicated Job-Hunting Time

Set aside specific times to focus on your search and then enjoy the rest of the season guilt-free.

Pro tips:

  • Spend 30 minutes in the morning applying for roles or updating your CV.

  • Use commute time (or downtime) to network on LinkedIn.

  • Avoid the temptation to check job boards during Christmas dinner. Trust me, you’ll just end up feeling stressed - and the turkey deserves your full attention.

3. Network at Christmas Parties (Without Being That Person)

Festive gatherings are goldmines for networking - just don’t make it obvious. Nobody wants to be cornered by someone handing out CVs while holding a mulled wine. Instead, focus on genuine conversations.

Here’s how to do it right:

  • Mention your career goals casually, not in a “hire me now” way.

  • Follow up with connections on LinkedIn afterwards.

  • Be subtle but memorable.

4. Update Your LinkedIn Profile

We recently did a whole thing on this which you can read here, but the gist is: a polished profile is the best way to stand out to recruiters who are still scrolling through potential candidates over the holidays.

Quick LinkedIn wins:

  • Refresh your headline to reflect your skills and goals.

  • Add a seasonal post about your career aspirations and gratitude for your network.

  • Turn on the “Open to Work” feature (if you’re comfortable with that).


5. Apply Early in the Day

Some recruiters and hiring managers do check applications during the holidays, but they’re also juggling their own festive plans. Beat the competition by being one of the first names they see.

Action step:
Set an alarm, apply early, and then spend the rest of the day guilt-free with eggnog in hand.


6. Use the Quiet Time Wisely

The quieter period between Christmas and New Year (you know, the limbo when nobody knows what day it is) is perfect for job prep.

What to do:

  • Polish your CV and cover letter.

  • Research companies you’re interested in.

  • Practice interview questions so you’re ready to go in January.

7. Don’t Forget to Have Fun

Here’s the brutal truth: if you don’t take time to enjoy the holidays, you’ll burn out fast. Job hunting is important, but so is your mental health.

How to strike a balance:

  • Fully switch off during key festive moments: family meals, gift opening, and that annual board game battle.

  • Reward yourself after hitting job-hunting milestones (applied for three jobs? Treat yourself to a mince pie).

  • Remember, Christmas is still about joy, not just ticking off tasks.

Why Job Hunting Over Christmas Is Worth It

  • You’ll get a head start on everyone waiting for January.

  • Companies actively hiring will see you as motivated and organised.

  • You’ll enter the new year with momentum, not panic.

With a bit of planning and focus, you can make real progress in your career search while still soaking up the magic of the season. So, pour yourself a mulled wine, update that CV, and get ready to sleigh the holiday job hunt. 🎄