Hiring is almost frozen during the month of Nov and Dec. Myth or Fact

To address the widespread perception that job searching should be paused around the holiday season, it’s crucial to differentiate between job market cycles in the U.S. and Canada.

In the U.S., many companies slow down their hiring processes around Thanksgiving in late November and continue at a reduced pace through the end-of-year holiday period. This is often due to the timing of fiscal year-end in December and, therefore, reflects year-end budgets and resource allocation. For many organizations, this period involves closing out the current year’s finances, planning for the next year, and allowing staff to take holiday breaks. As a result, job listings may decrease during November and December, and the general pace of hiring could seem slower.

However, in Canada, the job market tends to follow a different pattern. Most notably, the fiscal year for Canada’s major banks—which are significant employers, particularly in Toronto—begins on November 1. This means hiring activity continues throughout November and December, although perhaps at a slower pace. The banks’ strategic hiring around the new fiscal year can create opportunities for qualified candidates, particularly in finance, IT, and other professional sectors.

Other sectors, too, tend to hire through the year-end holiday period. Retail, healthcare, logistics, and customer support may see increased hiring in response to the holiday rush and fiscal planning needs. For job seekers, this means that November and December can actually be advantageous months to stay active in their job searches. Here are several reasons why:

Why November and December Can Be Ideal for Job Seekers in Canada

1. Less Competition: Many job seekers mistakenly assume the holiday season is a bad time to apply, leading them to pause their searches. By applying during this time, candidates may find themselves with fewer competing applicants.
2. Unfilled Openings: Some companies need to hire before the end of the fiscal year to use up budgeted funds. This can open up opportunities for qualified candidates who are ready to move quickly.
3. Networking Opportunities: The holiday season brings more networking events, gatherings, and virtual meetups. Attending these events can lead to connections and job leads that are otherwise harder to come by.
4. Planning for the New Year: Many companies start planning for January during November and December. Being active in the job market during this period increases the chances of being top-of-mind when new roles are approved for the new year.
5. Seasonal and Temporary Jobs: While not always a direct route to full-time employment, seasonal roles can lead to longer-term opportunities, especially if employers need additional resources post-holidays.

Key Takeaways for Job Seekers

• Stay Active: Resist the urge to take a break from job searching during November and December. The hiring market in Canada, particularly in certain sectors, continues to operate, and there are real opportunities available.
• Focus on Networking: Attend holiday meetups or industry gatherings to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities in the new year.
• Apply Strategically: Use this period to target roles that are a strong fit, leveraging your unique qualifications and making your applications stand out when there may be fewer applicants.

Overall, it’s a myth that job searching around the holidays is unproductive. Staying active and strategic can give job seekers a competitive edge and potentially help them land a role at a time when others may have put their search on hold.