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5 Unexpected Ways to Accelerate Your Job Search During the “Slow” Holiday Season

accelerate you job search in December December can be one of the loneliest months in a job search. It’s the perfect time to accelerate your job search.
Everything feels quieter — job boards slow down, inboxes thin out, and hiring teams seem to vanish. At the same time, the holiday season kicks into high gear, pulling hard on your attention and energy.

Between family commitments, financial stress, year-end fatigue, and the general swirl of the season, it’s easy to drift…
easy to tell yourself you’ll “start fresh in January”…
and easy to lose the momentum you’ve worked so hard to build.

But here’s the truth no one tells job seekers:

Most people disappear in December.
And that’s exactly why this month can become your strategic advantage.

While others hit pause, you can quietly strengthen your position, elevate your confidence, and set yourself up to walk into January ahead of everyone else.

As you read through these five strategies, choose one or two that genuinely resonate with you. You don’t need to do everything — just take the next right step. Small, intentional actions now create big momentum in January.

Below are five bold, unexpected actions that help you stand out with clarity, energy, and intention — even during the slowest weeks of the year.

1. Create a “Holiday Portfolio” That Shows — Not Tells — Your Value

When companies start hiring in January, the strongest candidates aren’t the ones with the best résumés.
They’re the ones who show how they think.

accelerate you job search by building a holiday portfolioUse December to build a 3–5 page mini-portfolio demonstrating your strengths:

  • A problem you solved

  • A process you improved

  • A team you influenced

  • A business result you delivered

  • A tailored 60-day plan for the role you want most

This is the material that elevates you into the top 5% of candidates because you’re giving hiring teams something memorable and concrete.

While others stall, you prepare.
Preparation builds confidence. Confidence gets results.

2. Share Insights With Target Companies Instead of Asking for Favors

Most job seekers reach out asking for help.
That’s forgettable.

You’re going to reach out offering insight.

Pick five companies you genuinely admire and conduct a Holiday Insight Audit:

  • What changed for them this year?

  • What challenges are emerging in their industry?

  • What trends might shape their 2025?

  • What customer feedback stands out?

Then send something like:

“I’ve been following your expansion into ___. One trend I’m noticing is ___, and it may impact __ in 2025. I’d love to hear how your team is thinking about it.”

You instantly position yourself as thoughtful, informed, and strategic — not someone looking for a handout.

3. Host a Tiny, High-Impact Micro-Roundtable (“2025 Trends We Shouldn’t Ignore”)

This is one of the most underrated December power moves.

use LindedIn to establish working groupInvite 2–3 peers or LinkedIn connections to a 30-minute virtual conversation around a topic like:

  • “What 2025 trend are you watching most?”

  • “What skill are you doubling down on next year?”

  • “What’s one shift you see coming in your industry?”

Why this works:

  • You become the connector

  • You deepen relationships

  • You gain visibility

  • You gather insights you can share on LinkedIn

  • You often receive natural referrals

Nearly no one hosts these — which is why it’s memorable.

4. Post a 3–4 Part “Warm-Up Sequence” on LinkedIn

work hard in December to reap rewards in JanuaryDecember is the lowest-volume posting month on LinkedIn.
That means your content goes farther.

Share:

  • A leadership lesson from the year

  • A challenge you overcame

  • A process improvement you’re proud of

  • What “Preparation Builds Confidence. Confidence Gets Results.” means to you right now

These aren’t job-search posts.
They’re visibility posts — and they prime the room before you walk in.

When hiring managers search for you later, they won’t see silence.
They’ll see strength, insight, and clarity.

5. Build a “January Jumpstart List” of 25 Humans — Not Companies

Opportunities come from people, not job boards.

Create a list of:

  • 5 close colleagues

  • 10 casual connections/alumni

  • 10 industry leaders or peers you admire

Then send a warm, simple message:

“I’m planning for 2025 and would value your insight.
Would you be open to a quick hello in January?”

This is gentle, respectful, human — and it creates real momentum ahead of the hiring spike.

Why These Steps Matter in January

January is the most competitive hiring month of the year.
Everyone who disappeared in December suddenly shows up “re-energized.”

But you?
You walk in:

  • prepared

  • confident

  • connected

  • visible

  • strategic

The difference is noticeable — and employers feel it.

Bottom Line

December doesn’t have to derail your job search.
It can actually position you to stand out.

Use the quiet to your advantage.
Let preparation be your edge.

Preparation Builds Confidence. Confidence Gets Results.

If you’d like help choosing the right next step for YOUR situation, message me on my Contact Page. Mention HOLIDAY and I’ll help you build a simple, confidence-boosting January Jumpstart Plan.

contact meAuthor-Deb Oronzio

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5 Unexpected Ways to Accelerate Your Job Search During the “Slow” Holiday Season

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About the Author

Guest blogger or article writer for existing clients. Over 30 years of experience in research and using primary and secondary sources to write long-form content. Other established skills include local search marketing, content marketing, Google Business Profile management, and search engine optimization. These skills are applied to helping local businesses grow their business!