It’s easy to assume that job hunting should pause during the holidays. After all, business slows down, hiring seems to stall, and recruiters and HR teams are distracted with year-end priorities. But while people think hiring stops, it doesn’t ‒ it just might look a little different.
In fact, executives who keep moving during the holiday season often get a head start on Q1 opportunities. With business activity slowing, hiring managers and HR leaders who remain at their desks are often more accessible than at any other time of year. That means reaching out now could put you in front of decision-makers before the crowd of January applicants arrives ‒ a distinct advantage in an increasingly competitive executive job market.
Momentum is everything. The executives who secure roles in the first quarter are the ones who are making connections today, not waiting until the calendar flips.
Here Are Some Practical Holiday Season Tips:
Refine your strategy. The holidays are an ideal time to update your résumé, refresh your LinkedIn profile, and sharpen your executive Value Story. Consider engaging a professional career coach to help craft messaging that positions you as the solution to your next organization’s challenges. Research new target companies ‒ AI is great for this. Connect with industry-specific recruiters, and review compensation benchmarks.
Document your goals and successes. Take stock of your achievements and define what you truly want in your next role. Writing it down turns aspiration into a concrete roadmap for action and reinforces clarity in conversations with potential employers. Doing this reflection will help ensure you’re having the right conversations with the right people.
Send thoughtful holiday greetings. Cards aren’t just festive; they’re a strategic networking tool. Take a few extra minutes to personalize each note. Highlight a shared memory, reference a recent conversation, or add a message that reflects your interest in their professional journey. This personal touch can spark meaningful connections.
Leverage holiday gatherings. Approach these events with curiosity and intention. Ask people about their plans, professional goals, or challenges in the year ahead. Listen actively, take note of specifics, and follow up later. The strongest connections are built on genuine interest ‒ not polite small talk.
Stay positive and proactive. Confidence and belief are contagious. The energy you bring now can carry through the new year, fueling your emotional well-being and attracting opportunities and connections alike.
These five points will set a strong framework for landing a great new challenge in the new year.
By maintaining focus, making strategic connections, and preparing for what’s next, you position yourself to move faster, stand out, and step into the new year ready to win.
Your job search should not take a holiday vacation.
The holidays aren’t a pause ‒ they’re your chance to get ahead.
