The end of the year rolls around, and suddenly the holiday vibes are whispering: “Relax, you’ve earned it.”
And it’s true, but meanwhile, your job search tabs start collecting dust.
Before you hit pause until January, let’s talk about why continuing your job search in Indianapolis during Q4 might actually be your best career move yet.At That’s Good HR, we’ve been helping Central Indiana job seekers land roles year-round for nearly 25 years, and trust us, Q4 can be surprisingly full of opportunity.
Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Hit Pause on Your Indianapolis Job Search:
Before you trade your job search for hot cocoa and holiday movies, let’s talk strategy.
While half the workforce is slipping into hibernation, hiring managers in Indianapolis are still very much looking for great candidates. The end of the year is full of opportunities hiding in plain sight.
Here’s why you shouldn’t hit pause just yet:
Fewer Applicants = Better Odds
One of the best-kept secrets about a Q4 job search is that there is way less competition.
When November rolls around, plenty of people quietly decide to “pick things back up in January.” And just like that, their resumes disappear from hiring managers’ inboxes, leaving more space for yours to shine.
It’s a bit like showing up to the grocery store at 7 a.m. on a Sunday. While everyone else is winding down, you’re seizing the opportunity.
According to The Interview Guys, overall hiring activity drops by 40–60% in the summer months and stays relatively quiet into fall, which means companies that are hiring now are doing it with intention.
They’re not just window shopping. They’ve got real seats to fill and year-end goals to meet.
We see this play out in Indianapolis every single year. When other candidates hit pause, the ones who keep applying often land interviews faster and get to skip the long waits that come with January’s hiring rush.
Tempted to wait? Don’t. Your competition is taking a nap, and this is your chance to move quietly into their spot.
Companies Hiring in Q4 Are (Usually) Serious
If a company is still posting jobs in November or December, trust us–they’re not bored.
They’re actively hiring, and likely facing a real need: year-end deliverables, budget use-it-or-lose-it situations, or plans to hit the ground running in January with a full team.
That urgency often translates into faster decision-making. Rather than months of back-and-forth, you might find yourself getting interviews (or offers) faster than you received a single email reply during the summer slow season.
And because That’s Good HR has deep relationships with Indianapolis-based businesses, we can help you fast-track your job search process so you don’t spend weeks waiting.
The Myth of “Just Wait Until January”
Yes, January brings fresh budgets, but it also brings a flood of applicants.
Everyone and their cousin will be applying, and quality applicants often get lost in the shuffle.
Waiting until January means you may miss out on roles that never get reposted. It’s like showing up late to the party and wondering where all the good snacks went.
Most importantly, the “wait until January” mindset can stall your job search progress.
The key is to keep things moving forward, even if that means taking smaller steps first.
Here’s how to keep the momentum going as you move through a Q4 job search:
Use Temp-to-Hire roles to build momentum (and income)
You don’t have to wait for the perfect job to come along before getting back in the game. Temp-to-hire roles let you stay active, gain experience, and still keep your options open.
Here’s why a temp position might be a smart Q4 move for you:
- They give you more immediate income while continuing your Indianapolis job search. No need to wait for the “perfect fit.”
- Many of those roles can convert to permanent positions (employers see your performance before making long-term commitments).
- They let you try different work environments, team dynamics, and industries, helping you refine what you do (and don’t) want.
According to OpenArc, nearly half of temp workers use temporary positions as an avenue for finding a permanent role. We’ve seen how temp positions help weed out bad fits early, giving both you and the employer a chance to make sure it’s the right match before committing.
It’s a low-pressure way to build skills, make money, and often, land a full-time offer you actually want to say yes to.
Make small efforts every day
The easiest way to derail your job search in Q4? Going quiet.
Once you hit pause, it’s surprisingly hard to get that momentum back. You don’t need to treat Q4 like a sprint, just keep things moving at a steady pace.
Here are a few practical tips you can implement this week:
- Spend 15 minutes a day checking job boards or local postings.
- Give your resume or LinkedIn a quick refresh while things are calm.
- Apply when something feels like a fit, even if it’s not perfect.
You don’t have to go full steam ahead during what is one of the most stressful times of the year, but going radio silent is what trips people up.
A little consistency now can put you miles ahead come January.
Job search with the help of That’s Good HR
You don’t have to tackle your Indianapolis job search alone, especially when things feel slow or uncertain.
That’s Good HR connects you with local employers who are actually hiring, not just testing the waters.
Our recruiters get to know your goals, skills, and schedule so we can match you with roles that make sense, whether that’s a temp-to-hire opportunity or your next long-term position.
We’ll help you stay consistent, confident, and visible during a season when motivation tends to dip (meanwhile, amazing job opportunities are quietly opening up).
If you’re ready to keep your momentum going, apply with That’s Good HR. We’re here to make the process a whole lot easier (and faster).
Why Q4 Is Still the Right Time to Job Search
If you’re torn about job searching in Q4 or waiting until the new year, consider this your sign to keep going.
The end of the year might look quiet from the outside, but it’s often when the best opportunities appear for those paying attention. Stay consistent and don’t let the “wait until January” mindset slow you down.
If you’re ready to take the next step, visit our website to learn how That’s Good HR helps you navigate the Indianapolis job market with less stress and more strategy.
Whether you’re exploring temp-to-hire roles or aiming for a long-term fit, we’ll make sure your efforts now set you up for success in 2026.
Don’t ghost your job search. Your future self will thank you for staying in the game.
