With just six weeks until Christmas, the Brisbane marketing job market is moving into its predictable end-of-year slowdown and SEEK’s data from the past six months shows exactly what that means for job seekers.

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Across March to September, advertised salaries have held steady between 3.3%–3.7% year-on-year, with September finishing at 3.5%, still outpacing living costs. Job ads in Queensland have seesawed, a huge 7.6% jump in April, followed by softer months and stabilisation through winter. Meanwhile, applications per job ad have surged to record highs, up more than 16% year-on-year in some periods. In short: more candidates, fewer roles, tougher competition.

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And with SEEK’s seasonality insights confirming December is consistently the quietest hiring month of the year, this next four-to-six weeks is less about landing a role and more about positioning yourself for the surge that arrives in January and February.

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Your December Job Search Essentials

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1. Optimise your LinkedIn.

A clear photo, accurate job titles, concise summaries and updated achievements make you discoverable. No need for clever titles — “Marketing Manager” beats “Brand Storytelling Wizard” every time.

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2. Refresh your CV.

List roles with correct dates, measurable achievements and clean formatting. Outcomes matter more than buzzwords.

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3. Tailor your cover letters.

Make them specific, relevant and linked directly to the role. Avoid clichés and keep it human.

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4. Strengthen your recruiter relationships.

Ninety percent of candidates we meet become part of our active network for current and future roles. Reconnect early before Christmas leave kicks in.

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5. Activate your network.

Visibility opens doors. Let people know you’re exploring new opportunities.

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The Bottom Line

December is the month where preparation gives you the edge. The roles arrive in January but the candidates who win them are the ones who start now.

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If you’d like personalised feedback on your CV, LinkedIn or job search strategy, just reach out.