Are you considering a job search during the holidays but hesitant because you believe companies slow hiring in December? Itโs understandable to assume that businesses might be focused on holiday preparations, closing books, and planning for 2025.
But, hold on. With the surge in consumer spending during Christmas, businesses will surely find ways to level up their operations to meet demand.
For example, Singapore’s Department of Statistics reported a 3.9% rise in the Food and Beverage Services Index this October compared to last year. Notably, food caterers saw a staggering 115.8% increase in sales, followed by strong growth in food outlets.
Simultaneously, this season brings temporary employment opportunities, which can lead to permanent roles for the upcoming year. After all, searching for a job is never the wrong time. Discover why pursuing your job hunt during the Christmas season could be a smart move.
Festive Season is Perfect for Networking
The festive season, like Christmas, is a time for celebrations and gatherings, but it also presents career opportunities for Singaporean workers. Families, friends, and colleagues come together to share updates, enjoy good food, dance, and sing along.
This festive spirit extends to businesses, especially if youโre connected with entrepreneurs in industries like restaurants, cafes, retail, or other ventures. Some might share their challenges in meeting deadlines and might need your help, while others might discuss starting new businesses.
However, ensure your inquiries or offers are thoughtful and tactful when approaching these conversations. Be natural in the way of showing your interest in exploring career opportunities. Avoid focusing on job search during the holidays; use this time to build genuine connections while watching potential opportunities.
Companies Are Actively Hiring in December
Some organizations may appear to slow down hiring as the year ends. However, many companies ramp up their recruitment efforts to meet holiday-driven consumer demand, especially in industries like e-commerce, food and beverage, retail, hospitality, logistics, and other high-demand sectors.
Another reason companies hire in December is to meet year-end recruitment goals. Often, they aim to utilize their hiring budget before it resets, ensuring they donโt face setbacks in their staffing structure and operations. Thus, this creates an urgency in job postings.
To explore these opportunities, check career search websites for job postings, especially those active for more than a weekโan indication the hiring manager is still seeking the right candidate. For direct connections, try platforms like Bossjob, a chat-first career platform that makes it easier to connect with potential employers.
Fewer Applicants Means Less Competition
Many job seekers assume the holidays aren’t ideal for applying for a job, either believing it’s the wrong time or being too caught up in celebrations. This creates a perfect opportunity for youโwith fewer applicants, hiring managers can dedicate more time to reviewing applications from motivated candidates.
This season offers a unique chance to capture recruiters’ attention. Waiting until January means facing intense competition, making it harder to stand out. Instead, use this time wisely: polish your resume, refine your cover letter, and submit your applications to hiring managers and companies.
Potential Permanent Positions
During Christmas, businesses actively seek seasonal workers to manage increased customer traffic, inventory demands, marketing initiatives, and customer service needs. These temporary positions are crucial for maintaining the company’s reputation and customer loyalty.
To make the most of your job search during the holidays, remember that while not every seasonal role becomes permanent, it’s an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your capabilities. Even in a temporary position, maintaining high standards of efficiency and service quality can significantly improve your chances of securing a permanent role later.
Hiring Surges in January
Contrary to the belief that December is a slow hiring period, January becomes hectic for recruiters as job seekers flood the market. Starting your job search during Christmas gives you a valuable head startโyou’re more likely to be hired and trained before the holiday season ends. You might even start working during or right after the holidays, avoiding January’s competitive rush.
Research shows that 75% of job seekers look for new opportunities in January, coinciding with companies rolling out fresh budgets and work plans.
By applying now, you’ll face less competition, especially for part-time roles, whether on-site or remote. Companies can focus on selecting and onboarding talent efficiently.
Ring in the New Year with Your Next Career Move
Make a new career your top Christmas wish and start typing โjobs hiring now near meโ on your search engine today.
With motivation and the right skills, you can find exciting opportunities this holiday season. Whether you’re interested in Singapore’s food and beverage industry, part-time waitstaff positions, or digital marketing roles for seasonal businesses, there are plenty of options to explore.
Keep your job search during the holidays with an updated resume and focus on gaining experience that will fuel your future career growth.
December offers prime hiring opportunities with reduced competition and better chances of getting shortlisted. Sign up with Bossjob to discover seasonal jobs and other career opportunities. Download the app todayโyour next career move could be the perfect Christmas gift!
