The Year-End Job Search Slowdown — or Secret Advantage?
If you’ve ever searched for a job in November or December, you’ve probably felt it: a ton of automated OOO messages, hiring managers taking time off, and processes slowing to a crawl. It’s real. But it’s not the full story.
Yes, things are slower, but not just because people are out. During this time of year, people are also just busy. Teams are catching up after Thanksgiving, racing to wrap projects, closing budgets, and juggling competing priorities. And when that happens, hiring decisions often get punted into early January.
But here’s the gray area: while some orgs are in their “finish-the-year” race, others are ramping up. We’ve already seen searches gain momentum this week as teams lock in their 2026 plans. So, the end of the year isn’t a dead zone for your job search, it’s an opening. And if you use it strategically, it can actually give you an edge.
This week’s newsletter breaks down how to make the most of both the holiday slowdown, the year-end sprint, and everything in between.
What to Expect When Things Are Slow
Longer timelines. Decision-makers are in and out for holidays, fiscal year-end planning, and budget approvals. Expect pauses and delays, and be confident that nothing is wrong. It’s just that time of year.
Less competition. Plenty of jobseekers hit pause until January. That means fewer applicants for the roles that are open.
Quieter outreach. Recruiters may be responding less frequently, but they’re absolutely still reviewing
Why This Period Can Be a Secret Advantage
Orgs are planning for 2026 now. End of year = next year’s priorities, budgets, and hires being locked in. Openings that will “go live” in January are already in motion. This is why networking with key organizational leaders and recruiters is so important – stay connected to the ones who know what jobs are about to launch.
You can get ahead of the January rush. Apply now and you may be final-round ready right when teams return in early 2026.
You have time to be intentional. With fewer new jobs popping up daily, you can shift from reactive applying to thoughtful, high-quality applications.
How to Be Strategic Right Now
Prioritize your network. Use this time of year to reach out. Make new connections, whether that’s attending networking events, joining a job search cohort, or even going to that dreaded reunion. You never know where your next job is!
Follow up with every process you’re already in. Light, friendly pings keep you top-of-mind.
Prioritize roles that mention early 2026 start dates. These are often the most active.
Year-End Best Practices
Cultivate your existing network. I’ll say it again! Networking is how so many people find their jobs. It’s also a great time to reach out to folks you haven’t connected with in a while. Hit them with a, “Happy New Year! I’d love to reconnect soon”.
Expand your network. This is a great time to make new connections. Think of the organizations you’d love to work with. Even if they’re not hiring now, hiring plans are being set behind the scenes. You can send something to a department head or HR Director, like, “I hope {{Organization}} is having a smooth end-of-year! I just wanted to reach out as I’ve followed {{Organization}} for a while, and I really admire {{mission or project}}. I’m not sure if you’re hiring for {{Type of Role}} anytime soon, but I’d love to be on your team’s radar. Thanks so much!”
Set Your Goals: Set achievable weekly goals for your networking, and stick to them. Key numbers are typically the amount of messages/requests sent, networking meetings held, and applications submitted.
Update your materials. Use this slower pace to refine your resume, LinkedIn, and your “here’s what I’m looking for” narrative. Be sure to add any new 2025 data or wins!
Apply intentionally. Set 1–2 focused windows each week to apply to relevant roles instead of hitting easy apply. Right now you have the time to really be strategic in your applications to the roles that are best for you. Tailor your resume, take your time on those cover letters or application questions, and really try to network around the roles.
Don’t take silence personally. It’s not you, it’s the calendar. Stay patient, stay consistent.
While the year-end job search feels slow, the hiring engines for 2026 are already running. If you choose to stay in motion while others step away, you set yourself up to hit January ahead of the curve.
Keep going. Future you will be glad you did!
Global Communications Project Manager @ Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis | Global Remote | $100.6K-$121.4K
Director of Business Development @ Material Return | Morganton, NC | $68K-$80K
Managing Director @ Inequality Media | Berkeley, CA | $160K-$190K
Senior Counsel for Family Justice & Policy @ Mother’s Outreach Network | DC | $120K-$125K
VP of Development @ Constructive Dialogue Institute | Remote | $180K-$200K
Chief of Staff @ Sunrise Movement | Remote | $90K-$115K
Field Director @ Sunrise Movement | Remote | $75K-$95K
Director of Communications @ Mothers Out Front | Remote | $109K
Senior Director of Social Enterprises @ UTEC | Lowell, MA | $90K-$100K
That’s not all! We’re hiring for additional jobs and you can see all of them on the NRG website.
Consider coaching
12/17 Small Group Session
Join us for a Small Group Coaching Session where you’ll get your questions answered about networking LinkedIn. Small Group Coaching is an affordable option for strategic, hands-on coaching in your job search.
1/28 Launch Your Search Cohorts
On January 28, 2026, we’re launching our pilot Launch Your Search Cohorts. Sign up for coaching, accountability partners, and a networking community.
1/14 Ask The Coach
Join our FREE Ask The Coach session on January 14th. This Q&A is designed for jobseekers at all levels in their career. Deadline to sign up and submit your questions is Tuesday, January 13th at 9am ET.
Give the Gift of Coaching!
Looking for a meaningful holiday gift? If someone you know is gearing up for a transition in 2026, this is the perfect time to set them up for success.
📢 Follow NRG on LinkedIn to stay up to date on the roles we’re hiring for.
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Let’s move,
Naomi
P.S. If you’d like a partner to help you with your job search strategy, sign up right now for 15 minutes with Kristin to learn how NRG’s coaching programs can help you. If you find this newsletter helpful, forward it to your friends and help us build our network! If you received this from a friend, sign up here to receive future “Get Hired'' newsletters.