As the calendar turns to Q4, it’s tempting to coast into the holidays and tell yourself, “I’ll think about my next move in January.” But here’s the truth: the last quarter of the year is one of the best times to take control of your career. Whether you’re actively looking or just starting to feel that itch for change, finishing the year strong can open doors that will shape the new year.
At Tal Healthcare, we work with hundreds of healthcare professionals who assume hiring slows down at the end of the year. However, smart organizations are locking in hires now to avoid chaos in Q1. And smart candidates are getting ahead of the rush.
Here’s how to make the most of these next few months:
- Get Back in the Game
Whether you’re fully on the market or just testing the waters, now is the time to reconnect with your recruiter. Even if you paused a job search earlier this year or turned down an offer that wasn’t quite right, circumstances change and so do opportunities.
Pro tip: Update your resume, clarify your must-haves, and reconnect. It doesn’t commit you to anything; it puts you on the radar when the right opportunity hits. - Take Advantage of Budget-Driven Hiring
Hospitals and health systems often must spend their remaining budget by year-end or risk losing it. That means open roles they’ve been slow to act on all year are suddenly urgent. In some cases, they’re motivated to move quickly and even sweeten the deal.
Pro tip: Timing could give you more leverage whether that’s a better package, flexibility, or faster onboarding. - Stay Ahead of the January Crowd
January is when inboxes overflow with applications and job boards explode with traffic. By starting your search in Q4, you avoid the noise and get priority access to hiring managers who are quietly trying to fill roles before the new year.
Pro tip: Candidates who wait until January often find themselves in line behind those who started conversations in November. - Be Clear About What You Want
Maybe this year wasn’t what you expected. Maybe you felt burned out, underpaid, overextended, or just ready for a new challenge. Use this time to reflect, then get specific about what you want next year to look like.- Are you craving a better work-life balance?
- Ready to move closer to family?
- Want to take on more leadership?
- Tired of RVUs and chasing productivity?
Pro tip: Now’s the time to define your goals.
- Don’t Underestimate Year-End Transitions
Some of the best transitions happen in December. Credentialing, orientation, and training take time. Starting the process now means you’re fully integrated before the winter rush.
Pro tip: There is no time like the present. - Consider a Confidential Exploration
Not ready to make a move, but open to hearing about the market? Good. The best opportunities don’t always come from job boards; they come from conversations. A confidential chat with a recruiter can help you gauge your market value, understand current openings, and stay informed without risking your current role.
Pro tip: A confidential conversation costs nothing, takes little time, and can reveal opportunities you didn’t know existed. - Your Career Is a Year-Round Priority
The end of the year isn’t the time to hit pause on your professional growth. It’s the time to assess where you are, where you want to go, and whether your current role is still the right fit. Whether you’re looking for something new or simply want to be prepared for future opportunities, taking action now gives you a head start on the new year. Think of it as a year-end career review.
Pro Tip: A small step now (updating your resume, reconnecting with a mentor, or checking in with a recruiter) can save you months later.
Don’t wait for the new year to start thinking about your next move. The right opportunity might be available now. And if it’s not, Tal Healthcare will help you be ready when it is.
Reach out today. Finish this year strong and start next year exactly where you want to be.