December is often seen as a month where hiring slows down, offices wind down and everyone puts career plans on hold until January. But the reality is very different — and if you’re thinking about making a career move, December might be one of the smartest times to do it.
Last month, I shared why Q4 isn’t the quiet hiring period many people think it is. This month, I want to shift the focus to candidates — because December offers opportunities that most jobseekers completely overlook.
Here’s why December can give you a genuine head start in the market, and what you can do now to make the most of it.
- There’s far less competition — which works in your favour
Most jobseekers take December off.
They assume companies aren’t hiring, or wait until January to refresh their CV and start applying.
That means fewer applicants, less noise and a much better chance of your CV standing out.
While everyone else is waiting, you’re already ahead.
Hiring managers also have more breathing space in December — making it a great time to catch their attention, book interviews and push your application further than you might in a busy month.
- Companies still have roles to fill before year-end
Many businesses are:
- Using up final headcount budgets
- Preparing teams for a strong January
- Replacing staff before the new year
- Wanting roles fully recruited before Q1 projects start
They don’t want to delay hiring and lose weeks of productivity in the new year.
In fact, for many of my clients, December is a crucial month — they want roles finalised and onboarding dates scheduled so teams hit the ground running in January.
- Interviews often move faster
With fewer meetings, fewer holidays within teams and less day-to-day pressure, hiring managers tend to:
- Review CVs quicker
- Respond faster
- Schedule interviews sooner
- Make decisions with less delay
This can mean a shorter, more efficient recruitment process — something candidates always appreciate.
You may find that the role you apply for in early December is interviewed, offered, and accepted before the month ends.
- January is actually one of the busiest and most competitive months
Yes, January is full of opportunities.
But it’s also full of people applying for them.
If you wait until January to update your CV, start job searching, or reach out to recruiters… you’ll be competing with a huge surge of applicants.
By acting in December, you gain first access to roles that many jobseekers won’t even see until after the new year — which gives you a significant advantage.
- Recruiters are actively searching for candidates now
December is a prime month for recruiters to:
- Build fresh shortlists
- Pipeline talent for early-January interviews
- Fill urgent end-of-year vacancies
- Match candidates to new roles before the new year rush
We’re already speaking with candidates who want to move early next year — and getting them into processes ahead of the crowd.
If you’re considering a job change, now is the perfect moment to start the conversation.
What you can do this month to set yourself up for success
Here are some practical steps you can take in December to put you in the strongest position for 2026.
- Refresh your CV — even if you’re not ready to apply today
Focus on:
- Recent achievements
- Measurable impact
- New responsibilities
- Key skills gained this year
Even a 20-minute update can make a difference.
- Update your LinkedIn profile
Hiring managers will look.
Make sure your:
- Headline is clear
- About section shows your strengths
- Skills are current
- Profile photo is professional
- Status is updated to “open to work” (if appropriate)
A strong LinkedIn profile increases your visibility dramatically.
- Speak to a recruiter you trust
A good recruiter can:
- Put you forward for roles not yet advertised
- Give you honest feedback
- Help position your CV accurately
- Match you with active hiring managers
- Guide you through the process at your pace
You don’t need to decide today — even a brief conversation can open doors later.
- Apply selectively — not endlessly
December is not about firing off dozens of rushed applications.
Be strategic:
- Choose roles that genuinely fit
- Tailor your CV for each one
- Highlight relevant strengths
- Keep track of applications
A targeted approach works far better, especially in a quieter month.
- Use the holidays wisely
Even if you’re taking time off, you can still:
- Research companies
- Prepare interview answers
- Set career goals
- Think about what you want next
- Start planning your January strategy
A bit of clarity now will save you stress later.
Final Thoughts
December is not the quiet, sleepy job market people imagine.
It’s full of real opportunities — fewer applicants, faster processes and motivated employers who want to move before the year ends.
If you’re thinking about a new role, now is one of the best times to take action.
Whether you’re ready to move straight away or just want to explore possibilities for early 2026, I’m here to help.
Feel free to reach out — even a quick conversation can set you up for success in the new year.