The December Hiring Myth: Why I Tell My Clients to Keep Pushing Through the Holidays.

Last week, a woman called me with resignation in her voice. "I think I'll pause my job search until January," she sighed. "Everyone says nothing happens in December anyway."

I couldn't help but smile – I've heard this same misconception countless times over my 26 years as a career coach.

Let me tell you why and why you shouldn't put those job-hunting plans on ice just because Mariah Carey's starting to dominate the airwaves.

I remember my own job-hunting days.

Twenty-nine years of being on the other side of the desk taught me something crucial: opportunities don't take holidays. In fact, some of my most successful career moves happened during the supposed "dead zone" between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

Here's what the numbers actually tell us – and I'm not talking about those flashy unemployment statistics that grab headlines.

The real story lies in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' JOLTS report (Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey).

In September alone, 6.2 million people – yes, million – started new jobs. That's a hiring rate of 3.7%, and guess what? This rate stays remarkably consistent throughout the year.

Think about that number for a moment. While you're debating whether to send that application because "it's December," millions of people are getting hired. The job market doesn't check the calendar before deciding to make offers.

Let me share a secret from the other side of the hiring desk.

Many companies are actually scrambling to fill positions before year-end. Why?

Three reasons I've seen play out countless times:

First, some companies are racing to use up their annual hiring budgets – it's use it or lose it time.

Second, plenty of organizations are hiring as usual because business doesn't stop for the holidays.

And third – here's the insider tip – many companies are doing their interviewing now so they can hit the ground running with offer letters on January 2nd.

A guy I know told me after landing his dream job two days before Christmas. "If I had listened to everyone telling me to wait until January, someone else would be sitting at this desk right now." His success wasn't about timing – it was about attitude.

This brings me to my favorite quote from General Eisenhower:

"Pessimism never won any battle."

In my quarter-century of career coaching, I've noticed something remarkable – success correlates far more strongly with attitude than with the calendar date.

So, what did I tell the woman?

The same thing I'm telling you now: While others are putting their job search on hold for the holidays, you have a unique opportunity to stand out.

When hiring managers see candidates pushing forward while others step back, it makes an impression.

Don't let the myth of the December slowdown become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The only hiring slowdown that exists is the one we create by believing in it. So keep pushing, keep applying, and keep networking – even if there's mistletoe hanging in the lobby.

After all, wouldn't it be nice to start the new year with not just a resolution, but a new job offer in hand?

Need guidance on landing your next job or navigating your career? Let’s connect—book a call with me today!