Don’t pause your job search over the Christmas break

Every year, we speak with accounting professionals who are tempted to hit pause on their job search in December, assuming that hiring slows to a crawl. In reality, that’s rarely the case. Many Sydney businesses keep things moving right up until Christmas Eve, and some become more focused on recruitment as the year wraps up. At Richard Lloyd, we see consistently strong activity across November, December and early January.

If you’re thinking about putting things on hold, here are the key reasons why staying active over the Christmas break can put you ahead of the pack:

1. Fewer active job seekers means less competition
2. Lighter workloads make interviews and handovers easier
3. Managers are often more relaxed and open to meeting new candidates
4. Year-end budgets can drive faster hiring decisions
5. Contract and temp roles increase while staff are on leave
6. Christmas events offer extra networking opportunities

Below, we’ll break down why each of these can give you an advantage.

The Accounting job market doesn't slow as much as people expect

Despite the perception that everything winds down, many employers still need to recruit. Work continues, projects still need resourcing and not all businesses have the luxury of waiting until late January to make a hire. In fact, a number of our clients deliberately aim to have key roles filled before everyone returns from their summer break.

With fewer candidates in the market, job seekers often benefit from:

• Faster interview processes
• Shorter shortlists
• Quicker feedback
• More considered conversations with hiring managers

Fewer job seekers means less competition over the Christmas break

The old idea that “no one hires in December” is surprisingly persistent. As a result, many candidates step back from the market for a few weeks. Even those who know employers are still hiring may choose to pause and spend time with family and friends.

However, employers who need to hire don’t stop. With fewer candidates actively applying, you have a better chance of standing out. Conversely, late January and early February become highly competitive as:

• School holidays end
• Professionals return from leave
• Many people re-enter the market at the same time

Being active when others step back can give you a real edge.

Lighter workloads make scheduling interviews easier

As teams head towards the break or rotate through annual leave, workloads often ease. Many organisations also aim to complete recruitment before budgets refresh, pushing interviewing higher on the priority list.

This can work in your favour, making it easier to:

• Prepare and tailor your applications
• Step out for interviews with fewer competing pressures
• Complete a proper handover and finish well
• Start the new year fresh in a brand-new role

Managers are more open and receptive in the lead-up to Christmas

December usually brings a different energy into the office. We often find that accounting managers in Sydney are more open to meeting new candidates during this period, as workloads become lighter and the end of the year approaches.

This relaxed atmosphere can help you:

• Build rapport more naturally
• Have more open conversations about potential roles
• Demonstrate your personality and motivation
• Position yourself strongly before January’s surge

December year-end budgets create urgency for hiring

Unexpected resignations are common after bonuses are paid, and vacancies can emerge suddenly in December. Even when resignations are expected, managers prefer not to start the new year short-staffed.

Common year-end hiring drivers include:

• Resignations after bonus payouts
• “Use it or lose it” budget deadlines
• Managers want their team at full strength for January
• Projects requiring continuity over the break

It’s also a strong period for temporary and contract roles. With staff on leave, businesses rely on contractors to keep operations running smoothly - giving you the chance to gain experience and open doors to longer-term opportunities.

Christmas events offer valuable networking opportunities

December brings plenty of opportunities to meet new people - industry functions, team celebrations, client drinks and informal catch-ups.

If you’re open to new roles, these events can quietly work in your favour. A simple goal, such as speaking to three new people, can help you:

• Expand your network naturally
• Learn about upcoming vacancies
• Make informal introductions
• Build relationships that may lead to a role

Conversations are generally more relaxed in December, making it an ideal time to plant seeds for the new year.

Final Thoughts: Stay active and start the new year ahead of the pack

While many job seekers step back over the Christmas break, those who remain active gain a genuine advantage. Even doing one small thing each day - updating your CV, having a confidential chat with a recruiter or applying for a role - can move you closer to your next opportunity.

If you’re exploring new roles for 2026 or are unsure where to begin, we’d be happy to help. Feel free to get in touch with the Richard Lloyd team to discuss your next move in Sydney’s accounting market.