If you’re job hunting right now, you don’t need us to tell you that it’s not an easy time. We’re four weeks from Christmas, the New Year is creeping closer, the economic news seems to swing on a daily basis and the UK job market has definitely tightened. Roles are fewer, competition is heavier and the upcoming budget may change things… or may not. It’s a strange place to sit, especially if you’re trying to plan your future.
But that doesn’t mean there’s no way forward. There are small, steady steps you can take that will make a real difference. And if things feel overwhelming, that’s okay. You’re not doing anything wrong. You’re just human.
Here’s a short guide to getting through December without losing hope…. or your sanity! And if you need to chat anything through or need some help – please feel free to give us a call.
The market is slow… and that’s normal.
December job boards often look half-empty and this year is no exception. Many companies pause hiring to focus on budgets, year-end admin and planning for January. Even though the slowdown might feel personal, it isn’t about you. It isn’t a reflection of your skills, your value, or your prospects. It’s simply the rhythm of the season mixed with a tougher economy than usual. When you stop seeing the silence as rejection, you remove a huge amount of pressure from yourself.
The truth is, January is traditionally one of the busiest hiring months of the year. Organisations that pressed pause in November and December often begin the New Year with refreshed budgets and renewed urgency. So, while December may feel painfully quiet, you’re not waiting for nothing, you’re positioning yourself for the moment things start moving again.
When opportunities feel scarce, control feels scarce too. But there are still meaningful things you can do without turning your job search into another source of stress.
Refresh your CV and LinkedIn profile.
Not a dramatic overhaul, just an update so that when roles do open, you’re ready. A couple of strong bullet points, a clear summary and recent achievements can make a huge difference.
Nurture your network.
A message to an old colleague, a coffee with a friend in your industry, a quick check in with a recruiter you trust. You never know which conversation will plant the seed for an opportunity later.
Learn or sharpen a skill
Not a whole qualification, unless you want one. Just something that keeps you feeling engaged and growing. Short online courses, tutorials, workshops, or even reading up on industry changes can help you feel more confident and prepared.
Protect your mental health.
Job searching during an uncertain time can be emotionally draining, and pretending otherwise doesn’t help anyone. So, as well the practical advice, make sure you do this too. If you’re constantly refreshing job sites, your stress is going to hit burnout levels very quickly. Allow yourself days when you simply don’t look. You are allowed to have a life while you look for work.
Separate your worth from your job search
Slow replies, rejections, or lack of roles are not statements about your talent or character. They are reflections of the market, the economy, the time of year—and only that.
Talk to someone when it gets too much.
A friend, a partner, a family member, or even a recruiter who gets what you’re going through. Saying things out loud often makes them feel lighter.
Celebrate small wins.
Had a good conversation?
Improved your CV?
Got through a rough week?
Those things count. They matter more than you think.
Even in difficult times, there is a way through.
When the economy feels uncertain and job listings are thin, it’s easy to slip into worst case thinking. But remember tough periods don’t last forever. The market does shift. Opportunities do return. And even in times like these, people are still getting hired.
The key is not to push yourself to breaking point. You don’t need perfection. You don’t need a hundred applications a week. You don’t need to have everything under control.
You just need to keep moving forward, one step at a time.
You’ll find advice and guidance on our website to help with CVs, job searching and more! Or reach out to one of the team at Personnel Placements.
