4 Job‑Hunting Strategies After Holiday Break

With holiday gatherings underway, this season is one of the prime times to rest and reconnect with your loved ones. Unfortunately, some people in job limbo may feel compelled to continue searching for an opening during this time. But as many companies may be shutting down or budgeting for the following year, taking a break is crucial for your personal and professional well-being.

Job hunting before and during the holiday season is the roughest it’s ever been. Many have been searching for holiday work since October, but seasonal employers are facing numerous challenges with tariffs and inflation. Regular employers are likely facing similar issues as the job market and employee pool experience a severe disconnect. 

Entering a shaky hiring landscape may contribute to lower self-esteem. Career coach, HR consultant, and Emiz HR & Coaching’s founder Jessica Brewer highlights the importance of setting boundaries with your job search.

“If you spend all day, every day, or all your free time focused just on applying for new roles, it is soul-destroying and energy-sapping, which can negatively impact your results,” she stated.

Pushing through is bound to drain plenty of holiday cheer from you. Since companies tend to take a pause from operations, this season can be the ideal time to postpone the job search, enjoy the festivities, and spend quality time with your loved ones.

The post-holiday hiring landscape is much calmer and easier to navigate. Businesses are beginning a new fiscal period, allowing them to reset budgets and reopen roles. Some go as far as creating positions to support goals for the new year, offering additional opportunities.

However, while the new year is a pivotal moment for job seekers, it doesn’t necessarily erase the common challenges women face when re-entering the job market, such as employer bias and societal expectations. Taking a break can also lead to a loss of confidence when marketing yourself to employers. Be extra sharp when applying for jobs during this time. 

While it’s easier to forecast the job market’s landscape, sending in applications and getting results is a different story. Here are several tips to stand out without burnout after the holiday break. 

1. Have A Straightforward Schedule To Stick To

While some may advise continuing job hunting during the holidays to keep up momentum, getting back into the swing of job-hunting after the holidays is relatively doable as long as you set a deadline for yourself. 

Have exact data on when you’re going to go back to your usual schedule of applying. If you want a gradual transition period, consider upskilling or volunteering first. That way, you can have an answer for when companies ask about any resume gaps you have and showcase vigor to return to work. 

Avoid accepting the first offer unless you see long-term potential. Ideally, you want to find roles with long-term career growth, somewhere where you can see yourself advancing rather than filing another resignation letter. 

Committing to a job without advancement and fulfillment can take a toll on you. Unfortunately, many companies lack clear pathways and training for their employees, with 65% failing to define career mobility. Short-term jobs are risky, as job hunting may become more challenging as the year progresses.

There will likely be a wave of applicants who want to secure a job after the holiday break as well. In fact, Susan Levine, the founder and CEO of Career Group Companies, reminds you that you’re not the only applicant, which makes it more essential to proofread your resume and get ready to impress. 

“Understand the roles and companies you’re targeting. Knowledge is power — and it builds confidence,” she advises. “Tailor your resume, practice for interviews, and refine your pitch. Preparation is everything.”

Join holiday networking mixers, whether they’re in-person or online. It’s a great time to create connections with other professionals and chat them up about any opportunities at their company. You may find a friend or mentor throughout the entire endeavor. 

Remember to keep your head up high and reply courteously, even when faced with rejection. A polite response can be a future connection rather than a dead end. 

Securing a job is a key task to check off your list, allowing you to kick-start your career again. However, it’s vital to remember that you have time and that you deserve to enjoy the holidays. The job boards will still be present, and perhaps fuller, after all the festivities.