Why holiday networking lands more jobs than January applications

Most professionals wait until January to apply for jobs, but the strongest opportunities are already in motion by then. Holiday networking works because decisions are being shaped, relationships are more open and genuine conversations lead to roles before they’re ever posted.

Most professionals stop networking on November 15th.

The smart ones are just getting started.

Here’s what 7 years of coaching executives taught me: The roles filling in Q1 aren’t sourced in January. They’re sourced now.

Last week, three different clients told me the same story: They landed their dream role from a conversation that started during the holidays. Not despite the holidays, but because of them.

Why holiday networking works

Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, something shifts:

• Hiring managers are finalizing their headcount plans for Q1
• People are more relaxed and generous with their time, especially after the big holidays
• Conversations feel less transactional and more genuine

My client Steve discovered this last year. Laid off in October, his instinct was to blast out resumes. Instead, he sent 10 gratitude messages before Thanksgiving, thanking former managers and colleagues for a specific contribution they made to his career. No mention of his job search. Just genuine thanks.

Seven people responded. Four suggested coffee. One introduction led to a CEO launching a new business. By January 15, Steve had an offer, not from a job posting, but from a relationship that started with a “thank you.”

The 3 holiday opportunities most people miss

1. The gratitude reach-out (around Thanksgiving)
Reach out to people who impacted your career this year. No ask. No agenda.

“As I look back on this year, I wanted to thank you for [specific thing]. Your [advice, introduction, support] led to [specific outcome]. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones.”

2. The year-end check-in (early December)
Reconnect with dormant ties, people you haven’t spoken to in years.

“I’ve been reflecting on my career over the years and you came to mind. Working at [Company A] was one of my career highlights. I loved working with you and admired how you created such a collaborative and fun culture for our team. I’d love to catch up and hear what you’re working on. Do you have time for a virtual coffee next week?”

3. The new year vision share (late December)
Share your professional vision and ask for input.

“I’m planning my 2025 and would value your perspective. I’m focusing on [specific goal]. Given your experience with [relevant area], what would you prioritize if you were me?”

The warm outreach formula that works

Stop sending “pick your brain” messages. Use this value-first approach:

• Specific context — reference something meaningful you share
• Genuine value — offer an insight, article or connection
• Soft ask — “would you be open to…” not “can we meet?”

Example: “Hi Sarah — Your Forbes piece on supply chain resilience perfectly captured what we implemented at [Company] this year. I’m writing an article on this topic and would love to quote your framework, with attribution. Happy to share our implementation learnings if helpful. Would you be open to a brief call?”

Don’t bring in feelings of guilt or give them an out, such as “I understand if you don’t have time” or “No pressure.” If they’re feeling that way, they won’t respond.

Instead, bring your feelings of excitement and gratitude, as you get to catch up with someone you care about. Keep it upbeat and focus on the real reason you’d like to connect. Even if it’s related to your job search, be direct that you’re exploring your next opportunity and would value the conversation.

When you feel good about the outreach, they will too.

Your challenge this week

Send three gratitude messages. Just three. Make them specific, genuine and expectation-free.

Don’t strategize about who could help you most. Simply thank three people who made a difference this year.

Because while everyone else is waiting until January to start their job search, you’ll already have warm conversations and potential opportunities in motion.

The best time to network is when you can genuinely connect.