As we head into the holiday season, many job seekers may wonder whether it’s worthwhile to continue their job search over the Christmas and New Year period. With companies closing for the holidays, especially during December and early January, it’s a time that sees unique patterns in hiring and recruitment. For CV writers and career support professionals, it’s an important period to help clients understand when and how to make the most of the season’s unique opportunities.
This post breaks down what job seekers should expect in the New Zealand job market during the holidays and shares practical advice on how to stay prepared for the busy period starting in January.

1. December to early January: A seasonal slowdown

From mid-December to early January, the New Zealand job market typically slows. Many businesses, especially those in professional services and corporate sectors, shut down or operate on a limited basis as employees take time off. This means fewer job postings and a slower hiring process overall. While essential industries such as healthcare, logistics and some service roles may continue to hire, many offices pause recruitment until January.

During this period, applications are often put on hold until decision-makers return from holiday, which can lead to delays. However, the need for seasonal and temporary staff can still create opportunities for short-term roles in retail, hospitality and tourism. These industries see increased activity due to the holiday rush and may have roles that offer flexibility or even lead to longer-term opportunities.

2. January: A sharp increase in job applications

When January arrives, the job market experiences a sharp increase in activity. According to a recent report by Trade Me Jobs, New Zealand saw a 54% increase in job applications in January 2024, reflecting a renewed focus among job seekers.

Many people returning from holiday use this time to reevaluate their careers and seek new opportunities. This fresh start mentality often makes January one of the busiest months in the job market, with many companies ramping up hiring to fill roles and prepare for the year ahead.

However, this influx of applications also means greater competition. For candidates, it’s essential to be well-prepared with an updated CV and a clear understanding of how to stand out to potential employers. January is an ideal time to polish your CV, ensuring it highlights achievements, key skills and measurable results. With employers actively seeking candidates, a well-crafted CV can make a significant impact, especially in high-demand fields like technology, healthcare and logistics, where competition can be strong.

3. Holiday hiring trends by industry

Industries react differently during the holiday season and into January, so job seekers should keep in mind these sector-specific patterns:

Corporate and Professional Services: December is generally quiet for corporate roles, but January brings a surge in openings. Recruitment in fields like finance, administration and IT picks up pace as employers prepare for the new year and focus on filling key positions.
Retail and Hospitality: These sectors see increased hiring in December to meet the demand for Christmas and New Year. However, these roles are often temporary and may not extend into January.
Construction and Engineering: New Zealand’s construction sector has been resilient, often offering high-paying roles. While recruitment may slow down over the holidays, hiring usually resumes quickly in January to prepare for upcoming projects
Technology and Digital Skills: Demand for tech skills remains steady, with roles in IT, data analytics and digital marketing seeing continuous growth. Candidates with digital and technical expertise are well-positioned to take advantage of January’s hiring uptick.

4. Strategies for job seekers during the holidays

For job seekers, the holiday period provides a valuable opportunity to prepare. Here’s how candidates can make the most of this quieter time:

Update your CV and online profiles: Use this time to refresh your CV with recent accomplishments and update your LinkedIn profile. Highlight skills that are in demand, such as digital literacy, project management or specific technical skills that align with market needs.
Research target companies: Take advantage of the slower pace to research companies you’re interested in. This can help you identify key roles and prepare tailored applications once hiring picks up in January.
Network strategically: Holiday gatherings or online professional groups can be great for informal networking. Reaching out to contacts before January may help you learn about upcoming openings and prepare for referrals when recruitment ramps up.
Stay active on job sites: Set up job alerts on sites like Trade Me Jobs or Seek to stay updated on new listings. While fewer roles may be advertised over the break, staying active means you won’t miss any early openings.

5. What employers are looking for in January

In January, as the competition for roles increases, employers are in a strong position to be selective. Trade Me Jobs spokesperson Patrick Cairns noted that the job market may start to shift towards employers’ favour, as more candidates enter the market
With a greater supply of candidates, businesses are seeking applicants who stand out with a strong CV and a clear value proposition.

Additionally, while wage growth in New Zealand has slowed due to a cooling economy, salary expectations vary by sector. According to recent data, high-paying roles are often found in construction, engineering and specialist fields within IT. For candidates in these fields, demonstrating technical expertise, adaptability and problem-solving skills can be key to securing well-compensated roles.

Conclusion

The New Zealand job market over Christmas and New Year presents unique challenges and opportunities. December can be a quieter time, but it also offers job seekers a chance to prepare for January, one of the busiest months in the job market. By updating CVs, networking and staying informed about industry trends, job seekers can increase their chances of success when competition spikes in the new year. As 2025 begins, a proactive approach will be essential to stand out in a competitive market, especially for candidates targeting high-demand sectors.
If you need assistance with CV writing, career advice, or interview preparation, now is a great time to get in touch and make sure you’re ready to start the new year strong. Our team can help you create a CV that showcases your strengths, highlights your achievements and makes you stand out in a crowded field.

References

1. Trade Me Jobs 2024 Report – Insights on New Zealand’s job application trends in January, showing a 54% increase in activity as people return from holiday.
Source: Trade Me Jobs, New Zealand Job Market 2024. Retrieved from https://trademejobs.co.nz
2. Talent Cluster Report on New Zealand Job Market – Analysis of industry-specific hiring trends and broader job market patterns in New Zealand for 2024, including shifts in wage growth and tech sector demand.
Source: Talent Cluster Insight Club. New Zealand’s 2024 Job Market: Trends and Challenges. Retrieved from https://www.insight-club.talentcluster.co.nz/
3. MBIE Labour Market Insights – Seasonal trends and sector-specific recruitment patterns, highlighting the slower December hiring period followed by a sharp increase in January as businesses resume full operations.
Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, Labour Market Statistics. New Zealand Government, 2024. Retrieved from https://mbie.govt.nz