Every December, the same pattern repeats itself:
Companies often pause hiring in December, assuming January will be a better time to restart, then they’re shocked when the new year arrives and talent is suddenly hard to find. By the time January hits, every employer is hiring at once, competition spikes, and the best candidates already have offers. Waiting puts you weeks behind the companies that kept moving in December.
And every year, leaders forget one simple truth:
January is the busiest, and most competitive hiring month of the year.
Here’s what actually happens behind the scenes:
- Every company that delayed hiring suddenly floods the market at the same time
- Everyone is competing for the same pool of candidates
- The best people collect multiple offers within days
- Teams who waited are instantly 4 weeks behind
Meanwhile, here’s what we advise our clients to do:
Hire in December.
As an employer, you get advantages you simply can’t ignore:
1. Less competition
Most companies hit pause – so your job ad stands out like a beacon.
2. Better candidates available
High-quality candidates aren’t “waiting for January.” Many are open to conversations right now.
3. People want to secure a job before the holidays
December triggers reflection, career dissatisfaction, and the desire to start the new year strong.
4. You start January ahead, not scrambling
While other teams are still posting their first job ads, you’re onboarding.
Hiring doesn’t stop just because the calendar says December.
Top talent doesn’t suddenly disappear.
Motivation doesn’t shut off.
Careers don’t go on pause.
But in January?
Good luck – everyone else wakes up at the same time and starts chasing the same people.
The takeaway
If you want the best talent, don’t follow the crowd.
December is the opportunity. January is the bottleneck.
Smart companies hire now so they can grow later.