"Hiring stops in December" is the worst career advice circulating right now. I disagree. And I have data to prove it.
Last week, a tearful client asked if she should pause her job search until January. "Everyone says no one hires during the holidays," she said. I told her about another client who'd sent 100+ applications with zero interviews. We rebuilt his approach last December. By mid-January, he had an offer.
December Job Search Myths vs Reality
Here's what the data actually shows: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3.6% of the workforce was hired in December 2023—exactly the same percentage as January 2024. That's over 5 million people hired in December. The year before? 4% hired in December versus 4.1% in January. Virtually identical.
The real issue? Most job seekers disappear in December. They buy into the myth. They pause. They wait. Meanwhile, hiring managers are planning their Q1 needs with fewer candidates to choose from.
Here's your 6-Step December Advantage Framework:
- Target Q1 Planning, Not Q4 Hiring: Stop looking for "urgent" postings. Instead, identify companies announcing expansions, new projects, or leadership changes. They're planning their teams now.
- Master the Holiday Intelligence Gathering: Every holiday party is market research. Instead of asking "Are you hiring?", inquire about what their team is focusing on next year. The intel you gather positions you perfectly for January outreach.
- Send Strategic Year-End Notes: These aren't just holiday cards; they're strategic touchpoints. "Saw your company's expansion announcement. Here's how I helped [previous company] scale operations 40% during similar growth." Attach a one-page case study.
- Solve January Problems in December: Create content addressing Q1 challenges. Share insights on LinkedIn. When they're planning in December, your expertise is already visible.
- Prepare for Emotional Sabotage: Yes, Uncle Bob will ask about your job search over turkey. Have your answer ready: "I'm in active discussions with several companies planning their Q1 initiatives." Then pivot: "Tell me about your industry. What trends are you seeing?"
- Build Your January Pipeline Now: While others hibernate, you're scheduling January coffee chats, preparing tailored applications for Q1 roles, and positioning yourself as the solution to next year's challenges.
Believe me, I understand the emotional weight during holiday job searches, the identity crisis of being "between roles" during family gatherings, the LinkedIn feed full of "grateful for my team" posts, and the financial pressure as year-end approaches. I've been there myself and have coached hundreds through these challenges. But here's what my most successful clients understand: December is far from a dead zone; it's an opportunity zone. Fewer candidates. More strategic conversations. Decision-makers are thinking ahead.
You're Invited: Job Searching Through the Holidays Without Losing Momentum
That's exactly why I'm partnering with Garrett Rice, the CEO of job search platform Callings.ai, for a live workshop on November 20th. We'll build your personalized 6-week holiday job search plan, from handling Thanksgiving conversations to landing January interviews.
Last time we ran a workshop together: 900 registrations, 300 attendees, and dozens of success stories. This one's specifically designed for professionals who refuse to waste the most strategic hiring season of the year.
Job Searching Through the Holidays Without Losing Momentum
- Melbourne & Sydney, Australia – Thu, 20 Nov, 10–11 AM AEDT (GMT+11)
- US Eastern – Wed, 19 Nov, 6–7 PM ET (GMT–5)
- US Central – Wed, 19 Nov, 5–6 PM CT (GMT–6)
- US Mountain – Wed, 19 Nov, 4–5 PM MT (GMT–7)
- US Pacific – Wed, 19 Nov, 3–4 PM PT (GMT–8)
- UK (London) – Wed, 19 Nov, 11 PM–12 AM (midnight) GMT
We'll cover:
- The psychology of holiday job searching (and how to stay motivated)
- Scripts for family gatherings and networking events
- How to identify companies in Q1 planning mode
- Your week-by-week action plan through January
Why you should attend:
Instead of pausing in December and scrambling in January, be the professional who strategically uses December to land a role in January. Register now. Let's make December your competitive advantage.
Under pressure at work? Listen to this week's episode:
Biotech executive and equity advocate Dr. Sheila Gujrathi shares nervous-system tools for high-stakes moments, how to win over selection panels, boards, and investors without selling your soul, and why fear behaves differently for historically excluded leaders. You’ll learn about Sheila's pre-meeting ritual; her story frameworks that move decision-makers, and how to spot coping mechanisms that secretly sabotage you.
- Listen to the full episode on the podcast website
- Listen on Apple Podcasts
- Listen on Spotify
- Watch on YouTube
Time out
- What I'm listening to: On repeat at the moment is Australian indie band Vacations.
- What I'm watching: Down Cemetery Road. Watch this if you liked Slow Horses. Same vibe, more female leads, keeps you on your toes.
- Current Instagram obsession: I'm late to this account, but everyone in my family loves The Tiny Chef Show. It's really cute, I have to admit.
- What I'm reading: The House in the Cerulean Sea. I love a Young Adult fantasy novel, and if I keep going with the series, it will take me all the way to Christmas. I'm also reading All the Cool Girls Get Fired: How to Let Go of Being Let Go and Come Back on Top, and loving it.
- I will be teaching at Monash University all week. If you want to know what it's like, check out my Instagram Stories.
I hope you found this newsletter helpful. Please spread the word and let your friends know they can subscribe as well.
Sometimes people reply to this newsletter to ask if I know a coach who can help them. I get very confused, because I do so much self-promotion! Apparently not enough! Click here to learn more about my services.
Here's to your career success
RBX
Renata Bernarde | Career Coach | Host, The Job Hunting Podcast
