December job hunting: A recruiter's perspective

As a seasoned recruiter, I'll let you in on a secret. December can be a golden opportunity for job seekers. While others press pause on their search, thinking nothing happens during the holidays, smart candidates can gain a significant advantage.

Many companies are finalizing next year's budgets and headcount right now. Those approved positions often open up in January, but the groundwork happens in December. Use this time to network at holiday events, update your LinkedIn profile, and connect with recruiters who are actively planning January hires.

Sure, some responses might be slower, and you'll hear "let's connect after the new year" quite often. But use this time strategically – research target companies, refine your portfolio, and practice your interviewing skills. When January hits, and everyone else starts their search, you'll be ahead of the curve with connections already in place and applications ready to go.

The strongest candidates I've placed often started their journey during the holiday season. They recognized that while others were winding down, they could wind up for a strong start to the new year.