Should you apply for jobs during the holidays? It’s a simple question, but one that often brings conflicting advice on how to proceed. While some might discourage you from applying to jobs in December, it might be in your best interest to go ahead and send in your job applications anyways.
Job seekers, in addition to the burdensome task of looking for work, are often pelted with advice on how to search for work the “right” way. One common piece of advice many receive is that job searching during the holidays is pointless because most businesses will slow down operations, and hiring managers will not be on the lookout for workers with as much gusto. While the advice may hinge on reasonable logic, it’s more probable that organizations that are still uploading hiring notices for open positions will continue to review incoming applications.
Wondering whether to apply for jobs during the holidays or pause your search? Experts suggest you keep your job search active, even in December. (Image: Pexels)
Should You Apply for Jobs During the Holidays? That’s a Resounding Yes!
It’s true that many businesses work much more slowly in November and December, the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. This marks a phase of celebrations, time away with the family, and an opportunity to reap the rewards of working hard at their jobs year-round. Some corporate businesses even shut down for the last few weeks of the holidays, choosing to give employees time off to celebrate and unwind away from work. Organizations that remain open also often do so with a skeleton crew or a fully-staffed office where its employees have mentally checked out of work.
Under such circumstances, sending in your resume may appear to be a redundant exercise, resigning your application to sink to the bottom of the company’s priorities, forlorn and unnoticed. Fret not, because recruiters say that despite the slow holiday season, many of them continue to hire.
Hiring is a year-round process, and when an organization has an open position, it’s in its best interest to fill the position as soon as possible. Many employees wait to finish out their year at their current jobs and leave to make the most of the holidays before starting a new job, leaving their positions vacant. As a result, there is always the possibility of a sudden opening you might be just right for.
Why It Might Be a Good Idea to Continue Your Job Search During the Holiday Season
Many organizations have a clear plan for resuming business in January, and most of them involve starting with a full staff. Some hiring teams even have a hiring budget that will reset for the new year, making it better for them to finish hiring for open roles in December. Having completed a majority of their planned job cuts and layoffs, many businesses with gaping holes in some teams are under additional pressure to close them up as soon as possible.
Additionally, many job seekers also take a break from their job search to enjoy the festivities. This gives your application a better chance to grab the attention of a watchful recruiter and earn you an interview. Businesses that want to close the opening quickly will be unlikely to waste time on a long-drawn-out search, which further allows your application to shine. January marks a period of more optimistic job seekers returning to their search with renewed vigor, their New Year’s resolution to change jobs pushing them to apply more enthusiastically. This means greater competition and a harder time securing an interview if you wait for the holidays to wrap up.
Many HR leaders and employers may also feel more inclined to be generous and receptive to convincing candidates, making your earnest application stand out. If companies aren’t actively hiring, their teams and leaders are also often freer to take your cold calls or peruse through your application emails. For all of these reasons, it can be a good idea to apply for jobs during the holiday season rather than stepping back.
Job Seekers Should Continue to Make the Most of the Holiday Season
The best time to apply for a job is as soon as a job posting is up, and if that happens to coincide with the holiday season, there is no reason to hesitate. In 2025, most job seekers have come to terms with the realities of hiring, one of which is that there is increasing competition for a decreasing number of roles. Holding back from applying reduces access to opportunities, and this can hurt your job search in the long run.
If you have a clear indication that an organization is temporarily inactive or the hiring team is on vacation, then choosing to wait out the holidays may be a good strategy. Similarly, if you are burnt out and need a chance to gather yourself during the holidays, then you can choose to step away from the job market and focus on healing and recovery. However, in most cases, persistence pays, and your holiday job application may give you a leg up over the competition. Remember to stay wary of scam posts, but let the search continue on.
Do you apply for jobs during the holidays or do you recommend that job seekers wait? Share your thoughts with us. Subscribe to The HR Digest for more insights on workplace trends, layoffs, and what to expect with the advent of AI.