The holiday season usually means wrapping up the year and taking a break from big decisions. But when it comes to hiring, this December might be your perfect opportunity in years. Here’s why.
What’s Happening Right Now
This holiday season looks different from previous years. While shoppers are expected to spend over $1 trillion, retailers are actually hiring fewer seasonal workers. In fact, they’re hiring up to 40% fewer people compared to last year.
But here’s the interesting part: more job seekers are looking for work right now. Applications for seasonal positions jumped 27% compared to last December.
So what does this mean? There are plenty of great candidates available, but not many companies are hiring. That’s good news for you.
Why Companies Are Waiting
You might be wondering why other businesses aren’t hiring right now. Here are the main reasons:
They’re worried about the economy. With concerns about inflation and rising costs, many companies are playing it safe and waiting to see what happens next year.
They hired too many people before. During the pandemic, lots of companies went on hiring sprees. Now they’re taking a step back and reassessing how many people they actually need.
Their current employees are staying. Fewer workers are quitting their jobs these days, so companies already have stable teams in place.
Why December Hiring Actually Makes Sense
While everyone else is waiting, smart companies are taking advantage of this moment. Here’s why December is actually a great time to hire:
Less competition for talent. Most companies pause hiring during the holidays. That means the candidates you want aren’t getting dozens of other offers. Your opportunity stands out.
Serious candidates only. People applying for jobs in December aren’t just browsing. They’re motivated and ready to make a move. They’re not waiting for New Year’s resolutions—they want to start now.
Use this year’s budget. Many companies have approved positions and budget that expires at year-end. Hiring now means you don’t lose those resources.
Start fresh in January. Hire in December, and your new team member begins in January when everyone’s energized for the new year. You avoid the rush when all companies try to onboard at once.
What the Numbers Tell Us
The job market is cooling down, but it’s still healthy. The U.S. added 119,000 jobs in September, and unemployment is at 4.4%. There are still 7.7 million open positions across the country—way more than before the pandemic.
What this means for your business: it’s easier to find good people now than it was a year ago. Candidates are more open to conversations, and you’re not competing with 50 other companies for the same person.
A Real Example
Think about it this way: last year, you might have interviewed someone and they had three other offers. This year, that same quality candidate might only have one or two other options—or maybe none. You have a better chance of landing your first choice.
How to Hire Smarter Right Now
Here’s what successful companies are doing differently:
Hiring for permanent roles. Instead of just seasonal help, they’re filling important positions that will help them grow in 2026.
Offering competitive pay. Even though things have cooled down, you still need to pay well. Average wages in growing industries are above $30 per hour when you include benefits.
Emphasizing stability. In uncertain times, people want to know their job is secure. Talk about your company’s plans and how this role fits into your future.
Moving quickly. The best candidates won’t wait around for weeks. If you find someone great, make your decision fast.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The good news continues into next year. About 43% of employers plan to hire more people in the first quarter of 2026. Companies that build strong teams now will be ready when business picks up.
The Bottom Line
While other businesses hit pause on hiring, you have a chance to find excellent people without the usual competition. The candidates are out there, they’re motivated, and they’re waiting to hear from companies like yours.
December isn’t a time to slow down on hiring—it’s a time to speed up.
Need Help Finding the Right People?
We specialize in connecting businesses with top talent, even during challenging times. Our team understands the current market and knows how to find candidates who’ll make a real difference for your company.
Let’s talk about your hiring needs:
Or explore how we can help:
- Find permanent employees for your core team
- Hire contract staff for project-based needs
- Executive recruitment for leadership positions
- Get hiring strategy advice to plan for 2026
Want more insights like this? Check out our website and get hiring tips, market updates, and recruitment strategies with FREE resource guides.