5 Reasons December Is The Best Time To Find A New Job

As the year draws to a close, many people may be wondering whether it is time to make a career change or wait until the new year to start their search.

There are obvious pros and cons to both options, and the decision will, of course, depend on various factors such as your personal goals, financial situation, job satisfaction and market demand. However, we in CareerWise think you can absolutely use the coming weeks to your advantage, when it comes to finding your next role.

Maybe you think no one is hiring in December? Well, think again! The reality is actually very different.

The job market in fact heats up significantly in December, with a rise in the number of jobseekers who want to make a fresh start in the New Year. This creates a win-win situation for both employers and employees.

Check out my Top 5 Reasons below:

1. There is less competition, you’ll beat the rush of applicants who procrastinate until January.

Many people put their job search on hold during the holiday season, thinking that employers are not hiring or that they are too busy to apply. This means that you have a better chance of standing out from the crowd and getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers. You’ll show initiative and enthusiasm to potential employers. If you wait until January, you will be job hunting with everyone. Starting your job search now means there’s more chance of your CV being noticed and landing your new job quicker.

2. There are more networking opportunities

December 31 is the most common fiscal year-end. Job openings budgeted for 2023 but unfilled may not be approved again for 2024, so managers have an incentive to fill their job openings before year end! December is full of social events, parties, and gatherings where you can meet these hiring managers and expand your professional network. You never know who might have a lead or a referral for your dream job, so don’t be shy to mingle and chat with others.

3. There are more openings

Contrary to popular belief, many employers are still hiring in December, especially if they have budget left to spend or if they want to fill a position before the new year. Companies often play it safe with their yearly budgets to be prepared for any financial setbacks. By the time December rolls around, they may be in a position to hire people for jobs they couldn’t afford earlier in the year. Managers know the importance of starting the new year off on the right foot, so are likely to be more focused to bring someone in right away to fill their vacancy.

4. There is more flexibility

If you’re currently employed, you might have more time off or a lighter workload in December, likewise hiring managers may have clearer calendars which gives you both more flexibility to schedule interviews and attend events. You might also be able to negotiate a better start date or salary if you get an offer in December, as employers might be more willing to accommodate your needs. Onboarding to the team before Christmas means you can return in January knowing what to expect and without the “newbie” fear!

5. There is more motivation

Finding a new job in December can be a great way to end the year on a high note and start the new year with a fresh perspective and a new challenge. You might also feel more motivated to pursue your career goals and make positive changes in your life. Don’t wait for the competition to catch up – take action now and secure your dream job before the Christmas break! You’ll have more reasons to celebrate and less stress in the new year.

Smart recruiters know that December is the new January. While most companies are fighting for candidates’ attention in the new year, we’re onboarding them and helping them to hit the ground running!

Don’t miss this opportunity to get ahead of the competition and set yourself up for success! If you’re interested in making a move before the New Year, give us a shout or check out our full list of roles here!

Diarmuid Buckley

(Recruitment Manager), CME – Cork Office

Diarmuid joins Careerwise with a strong Industrial technical support, technical recruitment and capital equipment sales background. He has had extensive exposure to the manufacturing sector within Ireland from his previous roles with a number of leading multinational companies such as Siemens, Atlas Copco and Logitech.

Diarmuid holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the Open University along with technical qualifications in Electrical Engineering and Automation from the CIT.

Diarmuid is also qualified as a Certified Manufacturing Engineer with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers.

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