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Weekly Newsletter Vol. 68 - December 18, 2024

I just like to apply for jobs. Applying for jobs is my favorite.

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Why You Should Keep Applying for Jobs Right Up Until the New Year

As the year winds down, many job seekers mistakenly believe that hiring slows to a crawl or stops altogether during the holiday season. While it’s true that some industries may take a brief pause, the end of the year can still be one of the best times to apply for jobs. Here are four compelling reasons why you shouldn’t hit pause on your job search and examples to illustrate the opportunity you might be missing.

Many companies operate on a fiscal year that ends in December

Unfilled positions can jeopardize their budgets or operational targets. If a company has allocated budget for hiring, they’re eager to make those hires before the year closes.

For example, let’s say a marketing firm needs to onboard a project manager before January to kick off a client’s new campaign. By applying now, you could step into a position that’s critical to their success in the new year. Delaying your application could mean losing out to a candidate who understood the urgency.

Less Competition During the Holidays 

Many job seekers take a break from applying during November and December, assuming hiring managers are too distracted or that roles will be reposted in January. This creates a unique advantage for those who keep applying—fewer applicants mean your resume is more likely to get noticed.

For instance, if a job posting normally receives 200 applications, that number might drop to 50 during the holiday season. Applying now gives you a greater chance of landing an interview because your competition is less intense.

Companies Are Planning for a Strong Start to the New Year 

Many businesses use the last quarter of the year to finalize their plans for the next one. Part of that planning includes hiring talent to help execute on upcoming projects or initiatives. Hiring managers often want candidates onboarded and ready to hit the ground running by January.

Take the tech industry as an example. A software company launching a new product in Q1 might need to hire developers, marketers, and sales professionals before the new year. Applying in December means you could be in place for on-boarding and ready to contribute when the project kicks off, giving you a head start on your career goals.

Networking Opportunities Are Everywhere 

The holiday season is prime time for networking, which is a crucial part of any job search. Events like holiday parties, industry mixers, and even casual gatherings can connect you with people who know about job openings or can refer you directly to decision-makers.

For example, attending a holiday gathering hosted by your local professional association could lead to a conversation with someone who knows a hiring manager at your dream company. Even reaching out to former colleagues with a holiday greeting could open the door to learning about new opportunities.

Don’t Wait for January—Take Action Now

Waiting until January to restart your job search means missing out on weeks of opportunity. Hiring may pick up in the new year, but you’ll be competing with a wave of job seekers who are returning from their own holiday breaks. By applying now, you position yourself ahead of the crowd and demonstrate your proactive mindset to potential employers.

Examples of Success During the Holiday Season One job seeker shared how they landed a role in mid-December after reaching out directly to a hiring manager who appreciated their enthusiasm during the busy holiday period. Another professional attended a holiday networking event and secured an interview that led to a January start date. These stories highlight how persistence during the holidays can pay off.

The holidays are a time for celebration, but they don’t have to mean a pause in your career ambitions. By staying consistent, leveraging the quieter hiring landscape, and tapping into networking opportunities, you can set yourself up for success before the new year even begins. Keep applying, keep networking, and keep believing in the opportunities ahead—because they’re still out there, waiting for candidates like you.

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_{(*Disclaimer: these are real experiences provided by RME's community of job seekers and hiring managers)}

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