Holiday job search myths and realities

A woman on the phone using her laptop in an office

The festive season has arrived, and many jobseekers often press pause on their job search during the Christmas period ¬- believing New Zealand businesses stop recruiting during this time.

This is a myth.

The reality is that opportunities are often still readily available, and hiring managers may use this lull in their business-as-usual workload to recruit for roles and or define workforce requirements for the year ahead.

So, if you are in the midst of a job search, use some of your time off to strategically plan, commence or continue your job search.

Busting holiday season job search myths

There are many myths about the fruitlessness of job searching in New Zealand over the festive period - here we dispel the myths in favour of the reality.

Myth #1: Job searching interferes with holiday plans

Everyone’s diary is full of holiday plans, and fair enough at this time of year! Job searching can take time away from social activities, but that can also be OK.

The reality: A small investment now will pay dividends

Block out time to search for jobs and send your CV to relevant hiring managers or recruiters, even if it’s only a couple of hours on your first day off. Taking action at the beginning of your holiday means you can relax for the remainder of your break, knowing you’ve made some job search progress. You’ll also get a head start on those who wait until January to update and send their CV.

Myth #2: No one will look at my CV during the summer break

Some industries in New Zealand wind down towards the festive break, and if you work in such an industry, it’s easy to assume that no one will read an application sent during this time.

The reality: Your CV will stand out and many employers want positions filled for an early January start

When workloads slow, managers often use this time to catch up on other aspects of their role. Workforce planning can become more of a priority during this time, and it could be your chance to grab their attention during their quietest period.

January often marks the start of a peak in hiring activity as NZ organisations add headcount to achieve strategic business priorities for the year ahead. Some businesses get a head-start by recruiting in December for early January start dates.

Myth #3: There’s no budget for recruitment

Many people assume that there’s no budget left for new roles at this time of year.

The reality: There’s urgency to recruit before budget deadlines

When budgets expire at the end of the calendar (or NZ financial) year, there can be urgent requests to fill roles while the funds are available. With a short window to secure talent, employers want to find the right person before the year – and their budgets – close out. This sense of urgency could mean your CV could receive greater attention.

Some New Zealand businesses run budgets alongside a calendar year, others through a financial year, others again to a completely different rhythm. You shouldn’t let assumptions on organisational budgets deter you from your job search journey.

Myth #4: Only retail jobs are available at Christmas

The traditional spike in short-term seasonal retail roles leads many jobseekers to assume these are the only jobs available.

The reality: New Year hiring plans begin before Christmas

Businesses in most New Zealand industries plan their new year hiring needs in advance of the new year. Many send job descriptions to recruiters and post job advertisements before Christmas, so they can review CVs after the break. Therefore, your time could be well spent over the festive break to update your CV and send it to recruiters to ensure your application is at the top of the pile.

What’s next?

The festive period can be the perfect time to commence or continue your job search. With fewer jobseekers in the market, you could give yourself a head start on the competition.

But remember to take time to rest and relax, too. Once you’ve taken the time to update and send through your CV, enjoy a well-earned break – with a view of starting the new year refreshed and ready to jump back in.

Now you are ready to begin your festive job search, follow the below steps:

Ask yourself what you want from your new job. What kind of role do you want in 2025? Is it the same or different to your current role? If you aren’t sure, our Career Goal Planner will help you define and set your goals;
Update your CV and LinkedIn profile;
Search for jobs;
Send us your CV;
Network with relevant contacts who could aid your job search;
Refresh your interview skills and be ready to impress an employer or recruiter when they call.