How to job search effectively during holiday periods

Job hunting during holiday periods like summer, Christmas, or Easter might seem counterintuitive—but research and recruiter insights suggest otherwise. While some industries do slow down, the perception that "no one hires over the holidays" can cause jobseekers to pause unnecessarily, missing out on hidden opportunities and early momentum.

7/22/20252 min read

Is job searching during holidays worth it?

Contrary to popular belief, UK employers do continue hiring during holiday seasons—albeit sometimes at a slower pace. A 2023 survey by Totaljobs found that over 60% of recruiters still post vacancies and process applications throughout the summer and December periods. Similarly, LinkedIn data from the past three years shows a noticeable spike in job postings in early January—indicating recruitment prep is often done in December.

Moreover, fewer active candidates mean less competition. According to research by Reed.co.uk, application rates drop by up to 35% during the final two weeks of December, making it a strategic time to get ahead of the January rush.

Sectors that keep hiring over the holidays

Some industries remain consistently active over the holidays, especially:

Healthcare and social care
Retail and logistics
Hospitality and travel
(Over Christmas) professional services preparing for Q1 hiring
Public sector and charities finalising new-year budgets and recruitment plans

Organisations in these sectors often experience end-of-year staff turnover or seasonal demand, keeping their HR teams engaged.

Benefits of holiday job searching

Here’s why staying active during the holidays could give you a competitive advantage:

1. Early bird advantage

Applying before or during the holiday break often means your CV is reviewed ahead of the January/September surge. Recruiters may also appreciate your initiative and motivation.

2. Networking opportunities

The holiday period is rich in informal networking chances—from online industry events to reconnecting with contacts. Use this quieter time to strengthen relationships and arrange informal conversations.

3. Time to reflect and prepare

Holidays offer space to update your CV, refresh your LinkedIn profile, practise interviews, or clarify your career direction—tasks often neglected during busier months.

4. Less competition

With many jobseekers taking a break, your application may stand out more easily. A 2022 Glassdoor analysis found that interview conversion rates improved by up to 20% for those applying in December.

Strategies for an effective holiday job search

To make the most of this period:

Stay visible on LinkedIn: Comment on industry news, engage with relevant posts, and share your own reflections. Visibility now helps for opportunities in the new year.
Set alerts and check niche job boards: Make sure you’re tracking roles daily via platforms relevant to your sector.
Send tailored speculative applications: Smaller organisations often work flexibly over holidays and may welcome a well-timed enquiry.
Prepare for post-holiday interviews: Many hiring managers set up interviews for early January—being ready now gives you an edge.
Plan your follow-up: If you don’t hear back over the holiday period, don’t be discouraged—set reminders to follow up early in the new year or September.

Final thoughts

Holiday periods can be a productive and strategic time to advance your job search, particularly if you're proactive, focused, and open to informal networking. Rather than hitting pause, consider using this quieter period to prepare, apply, and position yourself ahead of the competition.