Here’s a truth from the Olinio recruitment team that might surprise you: companies are still hiring during the holiday season. While most job seekers take a break and assume the job market has frozen, savvy professionals know better. December and early January present a genuine window of opportunity for individuals with smart job seeking strategies.
If you’re serious about landing your next role and want to stay ahead of the competition, now is the time to take action. Job seekers who understand holiday hiring trends and act confidently will have a significant advantage when the new year kicks off.
Here are five strategies that are likely to set you on a new career path right at the beginning of the new year:
1. Clarify Your Career Goals Before You Apply
Before you start submitting applications, get crystal clear on what you actually want. This isn’t just about landing any job; it’s about landing the right job for you.
Take time during the quieter holiday period to reflect on your career direction. Ask yourself:
- What type of role genuinely excites you?
- What are your must-haves versus nice-to-haves?
- Which industries or companies align with your values?
- What’s your ideal salary and work environment?
When your career goals are clear, your applications become more targeted and authentic. Recruiters can sense genuine interest, and hiring managers respond to candidates who know exactly what they want.
2. Update Your CV and LinkedIn with Relevant Keywords
Your resume and LinkedIn profile need to speak the language of job seekers and recruiters. This means incorporating relevant keywords strategically so you show up in searches and match job descriptions.
What to include:
- Job hunting keywords: “seeking new opportunity,” “open to new challenges,” “ready for next role”
- Role-specific skills: Use language directly from job descriptions you’re targeting
- Achievement metrics: Include numbers and results that demonstrate impact
Your LinkedIn profile is equally important. Update your headline to include key terms, refresh your “About” section with keywords, and enable “Open to Work” so recruiters can find you easily.
Pro tip: Use tools to identify trending keywords in your industry, then naturally weave them into your profile. Recruiters and AI-powered screening tools will flag your profile as a strong match.
3. Networking: Your Strategic Ally for Job Hunting during the Holidays
The holiday season creates perfect moments for networking. People are naturally in a reflective, social mood, and many reconnect with professional contacts during this time.
Make your networking count:
- Reach out to former colleagues, mentors, and managers with genuine holiday greetings
- Mention your job hunting during holidays naturally in conversations; you’d be surprised how many opportunities emerge from casual chats
- Attend industry events, holiday networking mixers, or virtual professional gatherings
- Engage with your LinkedIn network by commenting on posts and sharing insights
- Ask trusted contacts for introductions to people at companies you’re interested in
- Follow your target companies and engage with their content
Relationships are the hidden highway to hidden job opportunities. Many roles are filled through referrals before they’re ever posted publicly. Your network could be your greatest asset this season.
4. Show Availability for January Work to Recruiters
One of the best job search strategies is explicitly communicating your availability to recruiters. If you’re ready to start a new role in January or early February, make this abundantly clear.
How to communicate availability:
- On your CV, include “Available for January start” or “Immediate availability”
- Update your LinkedIn headline to mention your timeline: “Open to new opportunities | Available January 2025”
- In cover letters, specifically mention your flexibility and readiness to begin promptly
- When speaking with recruiters, be explicit about your start date preferences
Recruiters love candidates who have clear timelines and are ready to move quickly. If companies are planning for January hires, showing that you’re genuinely available removes friction from the hiring process. This simple move can accelerate you past less organised candidates.
5. Prepare for Interviews with Mindfulness
Holiday season stress is real, and interview anxiety can spike when you’re juggling personal commitments alongside job searching. That’s why interview preparation with mindfulness is essential.
Build a sustainable interview prep routine:
- Practice common interview questions with calm confidence rather than anxiety
- Use breathing techniques before interviews to centre yourself
- Review the company’s mission, values, and recent news to show genuine interest
- Prepare 2-3 specific examples of your accomplishments using the STAR method
- Get adequate sleep before interviews—rest is as important as preparation
- Do a mindful walk or meditation before the call to calm your nervous system
When you’re prepared and present, you naturally communicate confidence and authenticity. Hiring managers respond to candidates who are genuinely engaged rather than panicked.
Remember: interviews are conversations, not interrogations. Approach them with curiosity about the company and the role, and you’ll perform at your best.
The Holiday Hiring Trends Are Buzzing – Are You Ready?
Companies are hiring right now, and the opportunity is yours if you’re willing to act strategically. Don’t wait for January. Your next career opportunity is waiting now.
Reach out to Olinio today and let’s make your holiday season the turning point in your career. Our team is ready to help you build your job search strategies with confidence and land the role you deserve.
Your future starts this holiday season. Let’s make it extraordinary – contact us today!