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As the holidays get closer, many job seekers feel tempted to take a break, assuming hiring grinds to a halt. That could be a costly mistake, according to Ontario-based career coach and author Michelle Schafer.
 
 

“While it’s easy to get lulled into the holiday frenzy and away from your job search, the ones who continue to have a regular job search routine that includes consistent time for their search each day stand to benefit over those job seekers who slam on the brakes and take a big break,” Ms. Schafer says.
 
 

Historically, December sees fewer job postings, but that doesn’t mean companies stop hiring altogether. In fact, Ms. Schafer says it’s a uniquely strategic month for those who stay active, noting that during this time people are often more open to networking and informational interviews.

 
 

“By continuing to reach out to others and keeping relationships fresh with recruiters, they are investing time now in 2025 that will pay dividends in early 2026,” she says.

 
 

End-of-year budgeting can also bring unexpected opportunities. For those open to contract work, Ms. Schafer says there’s a chance to land short-term roles that arise from leftover funds.

 
 
 

“If organizations have extra money at the end of the year, they may be able to bring someone on for a short time to lead a project, do some office organization or provide strategic guidance as a consultant,” she says.

 
 

The season also brings ample social opportunities – prime time for low-stakes networking. Ms. Schafer recommends job seekers be prepared to talk about what excites them professionally in casual conversation.
 
 

“Something like, ‘I love leading large, complex technology projects that create efficiencies for teams and I’m currently seeking project leadership opportunities to drive expense reduction,’” she says. “You never know who you will meet or who knows of opportunities.”
 
 

If committing to a full-time search feels unrealistic during the holidays, Ms. Schafer suggests focusing on small, consistent efforts.

 
 

“Review your job alerts, reach out to others in your network, engage on LinkedIn and check in with recruiters,” she says. “A small amount of time spent daily across these three activities can move a job search forward and position you for new opportunities in January.”
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

80 per cent
 
 

That’s the percentage of U.S. workers who say they work in a toxic environment – up from 67 per cent in 2024 – according to a survey from online recruiting and job search company Monster.

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

To use AI or not to use AI? That is the question more workers are grappling with in a working world where many have yet to receive formal training and fear over reliance. But, at the same time, they also understand that using AI is becoming an essential skill that can add real value and save time.

 
 

According to this article by Globe and Mail contributor Merge Gupta-Sunderji, you should first ask yourself a few key questions: Am I representing this as my own work? Would I be comfortable if others knew I used AI for this? And, does this align with organizational expectations?
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

“Obviously, we’re excited about the economics behind it, but women’s sports for decades, participation in girls’ sports, from amateur all the way through college, has been an indicator of the life trajectory of the women who participate in those leagues and teams. Around 70 per cent of all female CEOs were college athletes. There’s a very strong correlation,” says Jason Wright, managing partner and head of investments at Project Level and former president of the NFL’s Washington Commanders.

 
 

In this podcast episode of McKinsey Talks Talent, Mr. Wright and other talent experts explore how women’s sports is rapidly expanding and what it takes to build and sustain the industry.

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Next year’s inflation-adjusted tax changes will affect Canadians’ take-home pay. The CRA is raising federal tax bracket thresholds and non-refundable credit amounts by 2 per cent starting Jan. 1, 2026, while updates to benefits such as the GST credit and Canada child benefit will follow on July 1, 2026.