Should You Apply Before or After Chinese New Year 2026?

This article is written in English for readers in Singapore. Chinese and Japanese translations are available on our website. 

Chinese New Year (CNY) is one of the most common points of hesitation for jobseekers in Singapore. Every year, professionals ask the same question:
“Should I apply for jobs before Chinese New Year, or wait until after bonuses and festivities are over?”

The short answer is: it depends on your situation.

 The longer answer — and the more useful one — is explained below.

In this guide, we break down:

• what really happens in the Singapore hiring market before and after CNY
• how bonuses, headcount planning, and hiring urgency affect your chances
• when it makes sense to apply early, and when waiting is the smarter move
• how to position yourself strategically for 2026

What Actually Happens to Hiring Around Chinese New Year in Singapore

Contrary to popular belief, hiring does not stop before Chinese New Year.

Based on Ministry of Manpower (MOM) labour market data and recruitment activity across Singapore, hiring tends to shift, not disappear.

Typical hiring patterns around CNY:

• December–January
  – Companies finalise budgets and headcount plans for the year
  – Hiring approvals resume, especially for critical roles
  – Recruiters actively pipeline candidates before CNY downtime
   
• Two weeks before CNY
  – Interview scheduling slows
  – Hiring managers go on leave
  – Offers may be delayed, not cancelled
   
• Post-CNY (February–March)
  – High job movement due to bonuses paid
  – Increased resignation activity
  – Faster interview cycles and offer decisions

According to MOM data, job switching activity tends to peak in Q1, especially after bonus payouts.

Apply Before CNY If You Fall Into These Categories

Applying before Chinese New Year can be a strong advantage, not a disadvantage, in the right circumstances.

1. You Are Targeting Critical or Hard-to-Fill Roles

Roles that companies prioritise regardless of season include:

• technology and data roles
• engineering and technical positions
• finance, compliance, and risk
• specialised sales and business development roles

If your skills are in demand, companies will not wait until after CNY to start conversations.

2. You Want Less Competition

Many candidates delay applications until after Chinese New Year.

This means lower competition in January.

Recruiters often see:

• fewer applications
• higher response rates
• more time to review each candidate carefully

Applying earlier helps your profile stand out.

3. You Are Currently Unemployed or on a Short Notice Period

If you are available quickly, early application signals readiness and motivation.

Hiring managers value candidates who:

• are responsive
• can interview flexibly
• are prepared to start soon after CNY

Wait Until After CNY If These Apply to You

There are also situations where waiting is the more strategic choice.

1. You Are Waiting for a Significant Bonus

If your bonus makes up a large portion of your annual compensation, it is usually wiser to:

wait for payout
avoid unnecessary financial loss
start active interviewing immediately after CNY

Many employers expect this and plan hiring accordingly.

2. You Need Time to Upskill or Reposition

If you are planning to:

• complete SkillsFuture courses
• update certifications
• rebuild your resume or LinkedIn profile

Using the pre-CNY period for preparation can improve your outcomes post-CNY.

3. You Are Exploring a Career Switch

Career transitions often benefit from:

• clearer planning
• market research
• adviser guidance

Applying too early without a strong narrative can weaken your positioning.

What the Data Says About Post-CNY Hiring

Recruitment data consistently shows a post-bonus hiring surge.

Key insights from recent hiring manager surveys in Singapore:

• over 70% of employers anticipate higher resignation rates after bonuses
• Q1 is a peak period for replacement hiring
• employers move faster post-CNY due to open headcount pressure

This means:

• interviews are scheduled more aggressively
• offers are made faster
• negotiation windows may be tighter

Prepared candidates benefit the most.

The Smart Strategy: Start Before, Move Fast After

For many professionals, the best approach is not choosing one or the other, but combining both.

A balanced CNY job search strategy:

• December–January
  – update resume and LinkedIn
  – start applying selectively
  – speak with recruiters to understand market demand
   
• CNY period
  – continue light applications
  – respond promptly to messages
  – prepare for post-CNY interviews
   
• Post-CNY
  – accelerate applications
  – schedule interviews quickly
  – be ready to make decisions

This positions you ahead of the surge rather than reacting to it.

How Recruitment Agencies Help During CNY Hiring Cycles

Many jobseekers underestimate the role of recruitment agencies during this period.
In Singapore:

• more than 70% of employers rely on recruitment agencies to shortlist candidates
• many roles are not advertised publicly
• agencies continue working even when hiring managers are on leave

Recruiters help by:

• advising on timing
• managing interview delays
• advocating for candidates internally
• preparing you for post-CNY negotiations

Common Mistakes to Avoid Around CNY Job Hunting

• assuming no one is hiring
• waiting too long and missing early opportunities
• resigning before securing an offer
• ignoring recruiter outreach due to holiday mindset

CNY is a slowdown, not a shutdown.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it bad to resign before Chinese New Year?

It depends on your financial situation and job security. If bonuses are significant, waiting is usually safer.

2. Do companies really hire in January?

Yes. Many companies begin interviews in January and finalise offers after CNY.

3. Will my application be ignored if I apply before CNY?

No. It may simply take longer to receive feedback.

4. Is February a better time to apply?

February is more competitive, but also more active. Preparation matters more than timing alone.

5. Should I talk to recruiters before CNY?

Yes. Early conversations help you understand market demand and readiness.

 

Looking for your next role in Singapore?

Reeracoen works with reputable employers across technology, engineering, finance, logistics, and professional services.

👉 Browse open roles or submit your resume

Need guidance on timing your job move?

Our consultants provide personalised advice on career planning, salary expectations, and interview preparation.

👉 Speak with a Reeracoen consultant

 

✅ Final Author Credit
By Valerie Ong (Regional Marketing Manager)
Published by Reeracoen Singapore — a leading recruitment agency in APAC.

 

🔗 Related Articles

New Year, New Career: A 30-Day Job Search Plan for 2026
Signs You’re Not Getting the Job Offer — and What to Do Next
Performance Reviews, Promotions & Bonuses: Is Your Career Really Growing?

📚 References

• Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Labour Market Reports
• Reeracoen × Rakuten Insight Singapore Hiring Manager Survey 2025–2026
• SkillsFuture Singapore workforce insights
• LinkedIn Talent Insights Asia-Pacific
• OECD Employment Outlook

 

 

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