Do Companies Hire in December?

For many job seekers, December is often seen as a time to wind down, enjoy the holiday season, and put off serious job searching until the following year.

But if you're eager to start a new job before the end of the fiscal year, you may wonder if companies hire in December.

In today's article, we will answer your question and share the benefits of continuing your job search in December.

Do Companies Stop or Continue Hiring in December?

“I’m going to take a break and wait until the new year to continue looking for a job” is something hiring managers hear from countless job seekers in December each year.

Many individuals pause their job search because they think most companies stop hiring.

But the hiring process doesn’t actually stop.

The truth is hiring slows down a bit due to people taking vacations. However, businesses continue to operate, and if they have positions to fill, they’re going continue to fill them.

December is actually a great time to get ahead in your job search.

But before we get into the advantages of searching for jobs during the holiday period, let's first discuss why companies continue to hire.

Reasons Why Companies Hire in December

Below are the reasons why companies hire in December.

• End-of-year budget considerations: Many US-based organizations are scrambling to spend “use-it-or-lose-it” funds and headcount by filling open roles. If they don’t get it done by the end of the year, they risk losing the opportunity to hire.
• Preparing for the new year: Reactive companies slow down until after the new year, but strategic companies take action during December. They want to gear up to meet projects and initiatives during the first quarter. This means having all the necessary staff in place. Hiring in December ensures new hires are ready to contribute from day one in January.
• Filling vacancies due to turnover: The end of the year is a common time for employees to retire or leave for new opportunities. Companies must quickly fill these vacancies, especially in business-critical functions, to maintain productivity.
• More time available: Business operations slow down during the end of the fiscal calendar year. This can give the hiring manager more time to focus on the recruitment process, which leads to faster hiring decisions.

Advantages of Job Searching in December

Here are some key advantages of searching for your next job during December:

1. Less Competition

Even though hiring tends to be slow in December, when a large majority of job seekers are inactive, that’s the perfect time for you to get ahead in your job search.

Why? Well, there's much less competition.

There are fewer applications for each job, and fewer candidates approach recruiters.

This increases your chances of standing out and getting noticed by hiring managers.

So, while others are taking a break in November and December, you can seize this opportunity to advance your career or land a new job.

2. Faster Responses

Since general business activity slows down during the holiday season, many hiring managers have fewer meetings on their calendars. That makes them more accessible and more likely to respond to you when you reach out to them.

There is also the matter of companies meeting end-of-fiscal-year goals and spending budget dollars before they lose funds. This urgency can work in your favor. You might find that response times are faster and the hiring process moves more quickly.

Interviews and offers can come more rapidly than at other times of the year. So, if you’re eager to start a new job soon, December is a great time to apply.

3. Networking Opportunities

December is full of social events, from holiday parties to industry gatherings. These events are prime opportunities for networking without making it obvious that you're job hunting.

You can meet professionals in your field and make valuable connections. Plus, networking in person can make a stronger impression than a generic email or a random connection request on LinkedIn. 

This helps you tap into the hidden job market and boost your job search.

Let Better Career Help You Land Your Dream Job

Need help landing a job in December, specifically in the tech sales industry? Here's how Better Career can assist you:

• Job Accelerator Program: Follow our step-by-step guide to land a tech sales job quickly and efficiently. Whether you want to be a Sales Engineer, Customer Success Professional, or Project Manager, our mentorship program is designed to accelerate your tech career. Say goodbye to the frustration and guesswork of a typical job search.
• 1-on-1 Career Coaching: Work closely with former tech leaders and career coaches to land your next sales or sales engineering role or advance your career. We'll customize the program to meet your unique goals and needs.

Haven't found what you're looking for? Fill out our contact form, and we'll get in touch with you soon! 

FAQs About Companies Hiring in December

Which month is best to apply for a job?

While many think the start of the year or the early summer is ideal for applying, December also offers unique advantages for job seekers. These include less competition, faster hiring decisions, and more networking opportunities. So, do not limit your job search to traditional peak times.

Do companies hire in December?

Yes, companies do hire in December. Contrary to popular belief, hiring doesn't come to a complete halt during the holiday season.

How can I increase my chances of getting hired in December?

To boost your chances of getting hired, you must stay active in your search, tailor your resume to each job, and use networking opportunities. You should also keep your LinkedIn profile updated and engage with recruiters.