Most people assume the holiday season is a bad time to job search. Offices slow down, hiring managers travel, and everyone seems focused on everything other than reviewing resumes! But here's the part most people miss: the holidays are actually one of the most underrated windows to make real progress in your job search. Here are practical, high-impact tips to help you use this time intentionally - without burning yourself out. 1.don't buy into the "nobody hires in December" myth Companies don't stop needing great people just because Christmas is coming! Year-end budgets are finalised, roles open unexpectedly, and January hiring pushes are planned in December. Fewer applicants also means less competition. If you stay active when others slow down, you stand out. 2.refresh your online presence Quiet weeks make for perfect housekeeping: Update your LinkedIn headline and "About" section Make sure your recent achievements are visible and measurable Clean up old portfolio work or upload a new project Add a professional, warm profile photo if you haven't already This small effort pays off when recruiters ramp up searches again in January 3.send warm, low-pressure check-ins The holidays give you a socially acceptable reason to reconnect without it feeling 'salesy'. A simple message like: "Hope your year is wrapping up well - just wanted to thank you again for our conversation earlier in the year. I'm exploring new opportunities in ___ and would love to stay on your radar going into the new year". People are more open, more relaxed and willing to help at this time of year. 4.use downtime to sharpen your tools You don't need to grind all break, just make meaningful upgrades: Brush up on a skill you haven't touched in a while Run through a couple of mock interview questions Build a fresh resume version tailored to your ideal role Set up job alerts so January doesn't catch you off guairs These little tune-ups compound fast. 5.set realistic expectations and protect your energy Holiday job searching isn't about hustling nonstop. It's about using a quieter period to move a few steps ahead. Give yourself permission to rest, celebrate and be with people who refill your tank. You'll show up sharper and more confident in January. Final Thoughts The job market doesn't pause for Christmas and you don't need to either. If you keep a light but steady pace during the holidays, you'll enter the new year with momentum instead of starting cold.

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why November & December are a great time to start hiring

In a recent LinkedIn poll we conducted, we asked one simple question: "What is the main reason you would look for a new role?" The results were telling: Career Growth: 47% Better Pay: 25% Better Culture: 23% Relocation: 5% At first glance, these numbers might surprise some. We often assume that compensation is the top motivator for job changes. But the data tells a different story: nearly half of respondents are prioritising career growth over money. Why career growth matters more than ever The modern workforce is increasingly motivated by development, learning and purpose. Professionals today aren't just looking for a paycheck - they want roles that challenge them, expand their skills, and provide a clear path forward. Several factors contribute to this shift: The skills economy: Rapid technological change means skills can become outdated quickly. People want to grow in roles where they can stay relevant. Generational expectations: Millennials and Gen Z are entering the workforce with a stronger focus on personal and professional growth than previous generations. Work-life integration: Career growth is often tied to meaningful work. Employees are looking for roles where there contributions matter, not just where the salary is higher. what this means for employers and hr leaders I f nearly half of professionals are leaving or considering leaving for growth opportunities, it's no longer enough to rely on competitive pay alone to attract and retain talent. Here's what companies can do: Invest in learning and development programs: Offer mentorship, training and access to courses that help employees grow. Provide clear career paths: Transparency around promotions and internal mobility can reduce uncertainty and increase retention. Foster a culture of growth: Encourage managers to have regular career discussions and recognise employees' achievements and potential. The Bottom Line Money matters - but it's not the only thing that keeps people engaged and loyal. Growth, learning and purpose are becoming the currency of the modern workplace. Companies that recognise this and invest in career developments will have a distinct advantage in retaining and attracting top talent. The poll results are a reminder: if you want to keep your best people, don't just pay them - help them grow!