Ilana Bouwer | Head | Sales | Pnet | mail me |
As the year wraps up, many companies start to slow down, with some even opting for a ‘soft closure’ so employees can take leave during the festive season. While the focus might be on finishing year-end tasks, this is actually a great time to think about your recruitment needs.
Being ahead of the recruitment rush in January
Many companies take a step back from recruiting in December as they focus on other year-end tasks. This gives you a unique chance to attract high-quality candidates while your competitors are off the radar.
By starting early, you will be ahead of the hiring rush in January, and can welcome the New Year with fresh energy and skills in your team.
Jobseekers are more active online
During the holidays, people tend to spend more time online – whether it’s for shopping, catching up with loved ones, or looking for new opportunities while on annual leave. This is the perfect time to post your job ads, as many professionals are updating their CVs and profiles.
Recruitment platforms can help you reach active jobseekers, ensuring your roles get noticed by top talent.
You have more available downtime
If business slows down during the holidays, you have more time to focus on recruitment. Reviewing CVs, shortlisting candidates, and scheduling interviews can be done without the pressure of the usual day-to-day business.
If you’re busy focusing on other tasks, our Response Handling Team can manage the hiring process for you, allowing you to focus on core tasks while still filling critical roles.
Flexible schedules make interviews easier
Employees often have more flexibility at the end of the year, with many taking time off or enjoying a lighter workload. This makes it easier for candidates to schedule interviews or informal meetings with you without disrupting their current jobs or alerting their existing employers to the fact that they’re job-hunting.
Cost savings and competitive advantage
Proactively hiring in December can save recruiters from having to pay higher recruitment fees in the New Year, saving money in the long run. In addition, hiring sooner could provide a competitive edge in securing top talent before the price increase.
Time to improve your recruitment strategy
If things are quiet, use this time to refine your recruitment strategy for the upcoming year. Dive into insights from our Job Market Trends reports and whitepapers, analyse your hiring process, and make improvements to attract the right talent. Our expert team can guide you in optimising your strategy to meet your 2025 recruitment goals.
Do not overlook the potential of the festive season when it comes to recruiting. It is the perfect time to attract new talent that can help your business thrive in the new year, all while staying ahead of your competitors.
Related FAQs: Festive season recruitment advantages
What are the festive season recruitment advantages?
Hiring during the festive season can offer numerous advantages. Many businesses experience a surge in demand during this time, making it essential to have adequate staff to manage the increased workload. By recruiting ahead of the rush, companies can ensure they have the right staff in place, which leads to improved customer service and operational efficiency.
How do the festive season recruitment advantages differ from other times of the year?
The holiday season presents a unique job market dynamic. Many job seekers are actively looking for work during this period, either to supplement their income or to gain experience. This influx of potential candidates allows recruiters to be more selective and find top talent that might not be available at other times. Furthermore, December is a great time for companies to take advantage of the urgency many job seekers feel to secure positions before the new year.
What should hiring managers consider when recruiting during the festive period?
When recruiting during the festive period, hiring managers should consider the specific needs of their business, including the type of staff required and the duration of employment. They should also assess the skills and attributes needed to handle the increased workload. Additionally, hiring managers should be prepared for a faster recruitment process to ensure they can onboard new employees quickly. Engaging with a recruitment agency can also streamline this process and ensure access to a broad range of potential candidates.
