Job Search During Holidays: Myths and Realities

A woman on the phone using her laptop in an office

The festive season has arrived, and many job seekers often hit pause on their job hunt during the Christmas period, believing that businesses stop recruiting.

This is a myth.

The reality is that job opportunities are often still readily available, and hiring managers may use this lull in their business-as-usual workload to recruit for roles and or define workforce requirements for the year ahead.

So, if you're considering a career change or keen to explore new opportunities, utilise some time off during the holiday period to strategically plan your job search.

Busting holiday season job search myths

There are many myths about the fruitlessness of job searching over the festive period. Let's dispel them in favour of reality.

Myth #1: No one will look at my CV during the summer break

Some industries wind down towards the festive break, and if you work in such an industry, it's easy to assume that no one will read an application sent during this time.

The reality: Your CV will stand out and many employers want positions filled for an early January start

When workloads slow, key decision makers often use this time to catch up on other aspects of their role. Workforce planning can become more of a priority during this time, and it could be your chance to grab their attention during their quietest period.

January often marks the start of a peak in hiring activity as organisations add headcount to achieve strategic business priorities for the year ahead. Many businesses get a head start by actively hiring and posting job ads in December for early January start dates.

Myth #2: There’s no budget for recruitment

Many people assume that there’s no budget left for new roles at this time of year.

The reality: There’s urgency to recruit before budget deadlines

When budgets expire at the end of the calendar (or financial) year, there can be urgent requests to fill roles while the funds are available. With a short window to secure talent, employers want to find the right person before the year – and their budgets – close out. This sense of urgency could mean your CV could receive greater attention.

Some businesses run budgets alongside a calendar year, others through a financial year, others again to a completely different rhythm depending on the country their head office is in (for example, Japan runs from April to March). You shouldn’t let assumptions about organisational budgets deter you from submitting job applications. There’s no set hiring season in Australia but understanding timing and industry trends makes all the difference.

Myth #3: Only retail jobs are available at Christmas

The traditional spike in short-term seasonal retail roles leads many jobseekers to assume these are the only jobs available.

The reality: New Year hiring plans begin before Christmas

Businesses in most industries plan their new year staffing needs in advance. Many send job descriptions to recruiters and post job advertisements before Christmas, so they can review CVs after the break. Therefore your time could be well spent over the public and school holidays to update your CV and send it to recruiters to ensure your application is at the top of the pile.

Myth #4: Job searching interferes with holiday plans

Everyone’s schedule is packed with holiday plans and job hunting might take some time away from social activities.

The reality: A small investment now will pay dividends

Block out time to search for jobs and send your CV to relevant hiring managers or recruiters, even if it’s only a couple of hours on your first day off. Taking action at the beginning of your holiday means you can relax for the remainder of your break, knowing you’ve made some job search progress. You’ll also get a head start on those who leave it all until January.

What’s next?

The festive period can be the perfect time to commence or continue your job search. With less competition, you could give yourself a head start.

But remember to take time to rest and relax, too. Once you’ve updated and sent through your resume, enjoy a well-earned break. Make a fresh start in the new year when you're ready to resume your search.

Now that you're ready to begin your festive job search, follow the steps below:

Ask yourself what you want from your new job. What kind of role do you want in 2026? Is it the same or different to your current role? If you aren’t sure, our Career Goal Planner will help you define and set your goals;
Update your CV and LinkedIn profile;
Search for jobs;
Send us your CV;
Network with relevant contacts who could aid your job search;
Refresh your interview skills and be ready to impress an employer or recruiter when they call.