Job Hunting Over the Holidays is a Thing — Here’s What to Know
Unemployment during the holidays sure hits hard. By October, the job market had already begun to slow, leaving 2.84 million Americans unemployed for over 15 weeks. And with the added pressures of the holiday season, staying hopeful feels even harder.
With Google searches for “Can I get hired now” up 261% and “I can’t find a job” surging by 342% over the past month, we share the do’s and dont’s of job hunting during the festive season. Avery Morgan, Chief Human Resources Officer at EduBirdie shares her tips to make this season about preparing, not panic-applying:
1. Don’t spam resumes—do go social
Avery explains: “Companies mostly deprioritize hiring during the holidays. This magical time of the year, blasting out your CV to every position will only harvest disappointment.
“Instead, focus on strategic networking. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends or ex-colleagues for job opportunities and company insights. Attend professional events to build connections, practice and perfect your elevator pitch, and learn about companies and industries. Networking during downtime is way more helpful than staring at job portals,” she says.
2. Don’t stress—work on your timing
“Do not overthink the rejections you’ve got and the positions you didn’t land in. Mid-January to March is hiring prime time. Companies will be back in the game, fresh budgets and big plans included. Use December to get your stuff in order—revamp your resume, polish LinkedIn profile, and brainstorm new answers to interview questions. By the time January hits, the better-prepared version of you will totally crush it,” Morgan highlights.
3. Don’t stay stuck in one lane—evaluate
If what you’ve been doing isn’t working, maybe it’s time to rethink your game. Holidays are perfect for research: are you still focused on the right thing? Avery advises you to list out your transferable skills and accomplishments. “Take a step back to figure out what other paths your skills could lead to. Reflect, dive into trends in industries you’re curious about, and consider chatting with a career coach. Fresh eyes can help spot opportunities you’ve been sleeping on.”
4. Don’t ignore side gigs—use them to build momentum
“Even if temporary or freelance work isn’t your dream job, the holidays are a good time to say yes to a short-term gig. It keeps money flowing and expands your network. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or local temp agencies can connect you with opportunities that might even lead to long-term roles. Bonus: it shows future employers you stayed proactive.”
5. Don’t lay low—keep busy
“Unemployment can feel isolating, especially during the holiday season. Yet, disappearing into your Netflix cave isn’t the move,” Avery cautions. “Sign up for a short class to learn a new skill — continuous learning shows future employers your adaptability. You can also volunteer somewhere cool, it often leads to new opportunities and connections in unexpected ways. What’s more, keeping busy gives your days structure and purpose, keeping the seasonal slump at bay.”