As the year draws to a close and workers get ready for their Christmas break, it's natural to assume that hiring activities also slow to a halt.
But for strategic businesses, that is not the case.
Recruiting in December presents a unique window of opportunity for savvy hiring managers to gain a competitive advantage in the talent market. While it's true that the holiday season brings its own set of challenges, there are also hidden benefits and untapped potential waiting to be discovered during the last month of the year.
The job market in fact heats up significantly in December, with a surge in the number of jobseekers who want to make a fresh start in the New Year. This presents a big opportunity for employers who want to recruit top talent – and in the process, get a step ahead of their competition.
We know securing top talent is a must for Australian businesses, so we help you address the concerns of hiring managers and showcase the strategic advantages that this often-overlooked period of time offers.
In December, jobseekers often experience a mix of motivations and challenges. While some may be eager to secure a new role before the new year, others might be hesitant due to the holiday season and potential hiring slowdowns.
This period can see a decrease in active jobseekers, creating less competition for available positions, making it an ideal time for them to take a stab at the job they want. However, candidates may also face challenges such as slower response times from employers and potential scheduling conflicts due to holiday commitments. Despite these hurdles, recruiting in December is something to consider as a result of eager jobseekers ready to take their next step.
Nicole Gorton, director at Robert Half and workplace expert with more than 12 years’ experience in recruitment shares her top five reasons why recruiting in December might be ideal for your business.
Related: Get the tips and resources you need to improve your recruitment efforts and land the talent your business needs to succeed.
Many companies are looking forward to taking a break, and as a result, recruitment will be well down their list of priorities. But as we’ve pointed out, there will still be a steady supply of people who are on the job hunting trail.
This means that if you make the effort to fill vacancies in December, you’re more likely to get the cream of the crop before your competitors do. The other major advantage is that you’ll be heading into the new year with the headcount you need to get the business off to a running start.
January and February can be a bit of a hiring frenzy, so you’ll also avoid the intense competition for talent that is usually seen in these months.
As the holidays approach and more of your colleagues and customers go on leave, there tends to be less business-critical work filling people’s time. This gives them more time to browse job ads, send out resumes and chat with recruiters.
Likewise, this quieter period gives you more time to post job ads on social media and screen resumes. It also means being able to spend more time speaking with candidates, in a less rushed atmosphere where you have an opportunity to get to know the candidate on a more personal level.
If staff members are exiting the organisation in December, it also means there’s more time available for handover activities, such as training, writing guides and answering questions. All this will help to ensure you are matching the right person with the right role, and that they are onboarded as effectively as possible.
December often sees jobs becoming available immediately due to employees receiving their end-of-year bonuses and resigning.
In general, turnover tends to increase during this period as people make New Year resolutions about their career, and become more motivated to look for that dream job they’ve been thinking about all year.
Savvy employers will anticipate that this kind of soul-searching will be going on in the minds of many candidates, and look for ways to market themselves to them before January rolls around.
Related: Why is employer branding important for recruitment in today's market?
As the year draws to a close, numerous office parties and social events will see people sharing photos, videos and status updates on their favourite social media websites.
And with workloads becoming lighter, many people will be spending more of their day posting on sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
This creates a great opportunity to leverage these social platforms to promote your company and its current hiring requirements. Furthermore, the ability of sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook to deliver targeted content to users who are most likely to be receptive to it, will assist you in searching and sorting for the best candidates.
Related: How to attract more candidates through social channels
For calendar-year companies, December marks the end of the fourth quarter. Many organisations have the policy that if a department’s budget isn’t fully used up by that time, it goes back into the company coffers, without being rolled around from January.
If this leftover money is spent on hiring a new employee, it ensures you’ll go into the new year with the headcount you need – and may have also spared your team from future budget cuts as well.
December sees many people not just thinking about the holidays, but also reflecting on the future trajectory of their career.
If you have time or budget to spare, it’s a great time to reach out to high-quality candidates who are thinking of pursuing new job opportunities.
Related: How to create a wage budget for employees
While the holiday season might seem like an unconventional time to ramp up your recruitment efforts, recruiting in December presents a unique opportunity for proactive hiring managers to secure top talent.
Leveraging the advantages of this period can give your business a competitive advantage and set you up for success for the new year.
To be among the most successful organisations, recognise opportunities even when they seem unconventional. So, don't let the holiday season deter you; seize the moment and build a winning team for the future.
How can I make my job postings stand out in December?
To make your job postings stand out in December, focus on reinforcing the benefits of joining your company at this time, like year-end bonuses, holiday celebrations, or a fresh start in the new year. Highlight opportunities for growth and development to attract ambitious candidates. Promote your postings across multiple platforms, including social media and niche job boards, to reach a wider audience.
What can I do to improve the candidate experience in December?
To enhance the candidate experience in December, prioritise clear and consistent communication, acknowledging potential delays due to the holidays. Maintain a flexible approach with scheduling and consider virtual interviews to accommodate holiday plans. Showcase your company culture and values, even amidst the festive season, to demonstrate a welcoming environment. Finally, express sincere appreciation for their time and interest, making candidates feel valued even during a busy time of year.
How can I expedite the hiring process in December?
To expedite hiring in December, make clear and frequent communication with both candidates and internal stakeholders a priority. Streamline your process by pre-screening candidates efficiently, conducting focused interviews, and making swift decisions. Leverage technology for virtual interviews and assessments to overcome scheduling hurdles. Be upfront about timelines and potential delays due to the holidays, and keep candidates engaged throughout the process.
