It is a common – and very false – thought that job seekers may as well put their job search on hold during the month of December. In fact, December has been called the worst month for hiring.
Talk about a myth that needs its head chopped off!
December is not a time to put a job search on hold. If anything, it’s a perfect time to hit the gas.
Let’s take a quick look at three common December job search myths and why they are not true.
MYTH #1: I Won’t Get an Offer in December.
If hiring truly stopped, recruiters would be sipping cocoa until January. Spoiler: they are not.
December is actually budget-burn season ‒ companies are making moves before the calendar flips. Shortlists are being formed. Decision-makers are meeting. Succession plans are being finalized.
MYTH #2: Everyone’s Out of the Office.
If everyone were truly out of office, Q4 goals would collapse like a gingerbread house in the rain.
Reality: teams are pushing to hit year-end numbers, wrapping major projects, and lining up talent to kick off January strong. Yes, people take PTO ‒ but business is very much happening.
And where business happens, hiring happens.
MYTH #3: Hiring Freezes in December.
Don’t worry about a hiring freeze. That’s just a pause button, not a stop sign. Don’t give it a thought. Have conversations and do your prep. Companies don’t suddenly stop needing strong leaders. Focus on making connections and laying the groundwork for the future.
If companies think you can help them a freeze will quickly and quietly thaw.
Avoid These Self-imposed Delays.
Time and again people say two sentences that only serve to inhibit their own job search:
- “I’m too busy in December.”
- “I’ll restart in January.”
Talk about a self-limiting mindset! Who is “too busy” to land a great new role?
“I’ll restart in January” is how you voluntarily join the herd at the starting line ‒ right when competition spikes. Meanwhile, the early birds (you know, the ones not waiting for the confetti to fall) are already having conversations that turn into January interviews.
You’re not too busy. You’re distracted. And distraction is the nicest-sounding excuse in the book.
December actually gives you three major advantages:
- Less competition
- Roles that must be filled
- Recruiters eager to connect right now
Stopping your job search in December is a great way to start the new year behind. Staying active is how you start it ahead.
Prepare now. Connect now.
And you are more likely to be in a brand-new role in January.
You May Also Like:
Don’t Put Your Job Search on Hold for the Holidays
