There’s an old saying, “Timing is everything.” This is true for any organization who needs to hire new employees. For many companies, the November to December holiday season is less busy and tends to slow down. Many employees who are disengaged at their current employer are waiting for their yearly bonus and annual raise. These people are prime targets for your recruiting efforts and the holidays are the best time to hire them.
Here are 7 reasons why November and December are the best time to hire.
1. Come All Ye Faithful…Candidates.
The best candidates are taking time off to spend the holidays with their families. They are home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or another holiday. They’re asked, “how is work?” In their most sincere tone, “good” they say. But, it’s not. Their work is boring, lacks challenge, and they feel unappreciated or underpaid. Someone else got the promotion they wanted. The list goes on and on. These questions trigger them to dust off their resume and spend a few hours searching for a new job.
2. Let It Snow …. Resumes.
Take advantage of the quieter office and slower pace to review resumes. With people out of the office for the holidays, you will have more distraction free time to spend on hiring. Set up some phone or Skype interviews. This puts you ahead of your competitors who are waiting until January to start hiring. Seize the opportunity of larger candidate pools during the holiday months.
3. It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like …. A new job.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s is when people reflect on their life and work. That reflection may prompt them to make a change. In many situations, candidates have time off that is “use or lose.” That means they are more available for interviews. It’s also an easy excuse time to be away from the office. Jobseekers don’t need to lie to their boss to take time off to go to an interview.
4. All I Want for Christmas is … My dream job.
The holidays are the perfect time for you to showcase your employer brand. This time of year is the perfect way to show your company’s community involvement. You can show your employees giving back to the community. This indirectly highlights your company culture and work environment. These are powerful ways to publicly share your employer brand image.
5. Do You Hear What I Hear … Candidates responding to messages.
During the holidays, candidates are more available. They have an easier time taking calls, scheduling interviews, and changing jobs. Holidays are a prime time to connect with friends, shop online, and send pictures and greetings. This means your ideal candidates will be online and easier for you to find and communicate with. People naturally answer calls and texts because they are expecting calls from family and friends.
6. Grandma Got Run Over By … Her ideal candidates.
December is a great time for your jobs to be seen. Job postings are way down, while candidates are more active on social media. It’s the perfect time for your jobs to get high visibility. The extra free time in December gives your ideal candidate time to update their social media content, LinkedIn profiles, and upload their resumes to job boards.
7. I saw Mommy …. Receive an offer letter.
Your best time to hire is also the best time for your ideal candidates. What better gift to give than a great job? The holidays are a season of giving, and you’re not interfering with family time. You are giving your ideal candidates an exciting opportunity to take the next step in their career. This “gift of a new job” gives your candidates and their families long-term benefits.
The best time to hire is when others are idle, and candidates are available and receptive. November and December fit that timeframe perfectly. Take advantage of this time to get through the interviewing and hiring process early. You’ll still have plenty of time to spend opening presents or lighting the menorah with your family.
If you want brainstorm ideas to take advantage of the holidays as the best time to hire, click this link to schedule a complimentary Insight session.
About the Author
Rebecca Barnes-Hogg
YOLO Insights
Employee Management, Recruiting, Hiring
Rebecca Barnes-Hogg is the founder of YOLO Insights®and author of The YOLO Principle, The Ultimate Hiring Guide for Small Business. Her path to Bombshell Business Woman started 8 years ago when she broke free from corporate with a dream, a cell phone, and a laptop. Rebecca built YOLO Insights®in response to all the frustrated business owners who were wasting time, money, and their sanity hiring the wrong people. She thrives on the hunt for purple unicorns (ideal employees) and watching her clients become more efficient, effective, and profitable when they hire the right employees.
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