The Best Time to Start Looking for a New Role
Sarah Makris
Career Coach, Personal Branding Expert, Speaker | Secret Weapon for Senior Executives - helping them to future proof their careers by Increasing Credibility, Visibility, and Opportunities through my proven methodology
Myth-Busting: "No One Hires Until After Australia Day"
At this time of the year it's not uncommon to hear someone say “There’s no point job hunting until after Australia Day. Everyone’s still on holidays!”
If you are waiting until late January to start your job search, you could be missing out on opportunities.
Here’s the truth about job searching in Summer
?? Myth #1: "Everyone Is Still on Holiday Until Late January"
? The Truth: While some people extend their summer holidays, many decision-makers are back at work by the second week of January, ready to hit the ground running, finalising strategic plans and ready to hire for critical roles. Businesses don’t hit pause just because it’s summer—they’re eager to start the year strong with the right team in place.
?? Myth #2: "Hiring Budgets Aren’t Finalized Until February"
? The Truth: Most companies lock in their budgets in December or early January. By the time Australia Day rolls around, they’ve already identified key positions to fill and are actively recruiting. If you wait until February, you could miss out on roles that have already been filled.
?? Myth #3: "It’s Too Quiet—There’s Nothing Happening"
? The Truth: The job market is quieter in January, but that’s exactly why it’s a great time to be in the market. Fewer candidates are active, giving you a better chance to stand out. Savvy executives use this time to engage with recruiters, build their online presence and positioning and to get ahead of the competition.
?? Myth #4: "It’s Not a Good Time to Network"
? The Truth: January is one of the best times to reconnect with your network. People are often in the festive spirit of refreshed from the break and open to conversations. A friendly "Merry Christmas" or “Happy New Year” message can lead to valuable insights about upcoming roles or introductions to key contacts.
?? Myth #5: "I’ll Be More Ready in February"
? The Truth: By February, the hiring process for many roles will already be well underway. Use early January to update your LinkedIn profile, polish your resume, and reach out to recruiters. Taking action now positions you to hit the ground running as opportunities arise.
Don’t Wait—Take Action Today
The idea that “nothing happens until after Australia Day” is just that—a myth. Hiring doesn’t stop because of the summer holidays, and the executives who act now have a clear advantage.
?? Pro Tip: Start small. Set a goal to reach out to two connections this week or send a quick message to a recruiter. Remember: every step you take now puts you closer to your next big opportunity.
If you're ready to take your career to the next level and need that extra clarity and confidence, let’s talk about how the SHINE program can support you too!
You can learn more about the SHINE Career Accelerator program -https://lnkd.in/ePAdrZec
Download my ebook 10 Proven Networking Strategies for Senior Executives
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Hi, I’m Sarah Makris I help executives build visibility, credibility, and opportunities through my proven SHINE methodology. If you want to learn how to accelerate and future-proof your career, my content is for you.