1) Many companies must spend the money in their annual budgets.
Hiring "heats up" because hiring managers are trying to reach deadlines to use annual budgets, so that their budget doesn't decrease the following year.

2) People tend to want to tie up loose ends before the new year.
If there are unfilled positions on their staffs, hiring managers naturally want to fill them. "There's that mentality of a fresh start," says Leslie Ruther, HR Manager for Princess Cruises.

3) Many professionals quit this time of year, creating openings.
If no bonus is involved, people often quit and give two weeks notice so that they can be with family for the holidays, while looking for a job to start at the first of the year.

4) Headhunters are more motivated and working harder.
Almost all executive recruiters are paid with upward sliding scale commissions, that reset at the first of the year. So they're motivated to place people at the higher commission level before the year is out

5) The holidays don't affect much of a change in some businesses.
There may be decorations and a few parties, but hiring activities roll along just like any other month, because competitive pressures, growing markets & strategic initiatives don't take a break.

Article abridged from Career Journal, and reprinted from TheCareerNews.com. Get the latest breaking News, Tips and Tools for your job search, Free!