Let me tell you what you already know: November’s job numbers were brutal. Record losses, anemic hiring, and a market that feels like it’s holding its breath until 2026.

So here’s what most job seekers do in December: they stop. They tell themselves they’ll “start fresh” in January, the ultimate job seeker’s New Year’s resolution. They think all hiring leaders are checked out, that nobody’s making decisions, that it’s pointless to even try.

And you know what? For a lot of companies, they’re right.

But here’s what I know as someone who hires: December is always my best month.

Here’s what everyone else is missing.

December Reality

Yes, overall hiring slows in December. But the companies that ARE hiring right now? They’re a different breed entirely.

These are organizations with:

• 2026 budget approved
• 2025 budget dollars expiring in weeks
• Urgent needs that can’t wait until Q1
• Leadership teams who know that January brings hiring chaos

These leaders are doing all they can to fill the critical roles before December 31st, and they’re running out of time.

Meanwhile, 80% of job seekers have gone dark.

Do The Math

Think about what this means:

• Serious companies with real urgency
• Candidate pools at a fraction of normal volume
• Year-end budgets that expire in weeks
• Hiring managers who can’t wait for January

These hiring managers WANT to find someone. They NEED to find someone. They’re motivated. Dragging feet or pausing is just not an option.

The January Myth

Here’s what everyone’s waiting for: the “January rush.”

You know what actually happens in January?

• Everyone applies to every new posting
• Many companies are still finalizing headcount and budgets
• Hiring managers are now buried in Q4 reviews and Q1 planning
• Everyone’s “getting back to you after the holidays”

January isn’t really when hiring happens. January is when everyone STARTS looking to hire. There’s a massive difference.

And if you’re pursuing a senior or leadership role, you already know the timeline: 2-3 months minimum. Starting in December means you’re in final rounds when most are submitting their first application.

What This Actually Looks Like

I’m not recommending you work through Christmas. I recommend taking advantage of this opportunity to break through.

• Spend 30 minutes a day on targeting new positions
• Reach out to at least one key decision maker per day
• Stay visible: like, comment, and post on LinkedIn
• Update your job alerts to “immediate delivery”
• Apply early—be in the first 10 applicants on new postings

Here’s what I know as someone who hires: December is always my best month.

Job seekers this time of year are playing a different game than everyone else. They’re responsive, prepared, and engaged. And in mid-December, that signals you’re serious, organized, and actively building your next chapter.

The Real Advantage

Like a lot of things in this world, success in job search often comes down to understanding two things: timing and leverage.

Right now, you have both.

Use them to get three steps ahead, get into position, and be the one available when others are not.

December isn’t slow.

It’s different.

And that difference? That’s your advantage.

Thanks for reading Career+ by Ken Persel! Feel free to share it.