The Year-End Job Hunt Push
The market supposedly slows down in December. But does it? My strategy for the next few weeks.
The Conventional Wisdom
"Nobody hires in December. Wait until January."
I've heard this for months. But is it true?
The Reality
Some slowdown: yes. Complete freeze: no.
- Companies with budget to spend rush to fill roles before year end
- Less competition (everyone "waiting for January")
- Q1 hiring pipelines start in December
My Plan
Week 1: Targeted Applications
Focus on companies that:
- Posted jobs recently (active hiring)
- Have fiscal years ending in December
- Are known for year-round hiring
Quality over quantity.
Week 2: Network Activation
Reach out to connections:
- "Hey, any roles opening up in January?"
- "Happy to chat over coffee about what you're building"
- "Saw your company is growing, congrats!"
Plant seeds for January calls.
Week 3: Portfolio Polish
While things are slow:
- Update this blog
- Clean up GitHub repos
- Refresh resume with recent projects
- Record a Loom intro video
Week 4: Rest
Take actual time off. Recharge.
Job hunting while burned out doesn't work.
What I've Learned This Year
10 months of searching has taught me:
1. **Timing is luck** - You can't control when the right role opens 2. **Skills don't expire** - Keep building 3. **Network matters** - But it takes time to cultivate 4. **Rejection isn't personal** - It's math 5. **Community helps** - Don't do this alone
The Numbers Game
At some point, it becomes statistics:
- X applications
- Y responses
- Z interviews
- Eventually: an offer
The goal is to stay in the game long enough for the math to work out.
Looking Ahead
January will be busy. New budgets. New hiring plans. New energy.
I'll be ready.
If you're in the same boat, keep going. The right opportunity is out there.