YOUR WINTER JOB SEARCH STRATEGY: LESS COMPETITION, MORE OPPORTUNITIES!

Many job seekers assume that hiring stops in December - that companies “pause” until January. But winter isn’t a hiring freeze. It’s a different hiring season, and understanding it can give you an advantage.

And yes, the job market has been difficult in recent months: hiring freezes, budget constraints, and a growing number of internal candidates competing for the same roles. But even in this situation, it’s important to remember that hiring activity doesn’t stop completely.

While some teams slow down, many organizations actively continue hiring. Here’s what usually happens behind the scenes:

• Budgets must be used before year-end - if a team doesn’t hire now, they may lose the headcount.

• Leaders want staff ready for Q1, not scrambling in mid-January.

• There’s less competition because many candidates stop applying.

• Managers often have more time for interviews as projects wind down.

That’s why December can move faster than people expect, and why some candidates receive offers right before the holidays.

January, on the other hand, brings a heavy surge of applicants and slower responses as teams return to full inboxes. If you stay active in December, you enter January already ahead.

What to focus on now:

• Keep applying (even a few targeted applications matter)

• Refresh your resume and LinkedIn

• Reach out to your network with simple holiday check-ins

• Watch for roles that open quietly ahead of Q1

The truth is simple: The best time to job search is when you’re ready - not when everyone else decides to start. 

If you feel ready this winter, don’t wait. December may hold opportunities that could disappear by January.