Why job hunting/hiring in December and January is effective.

December 5, 2023
Authored by

Planning on putting your job search on hold till next year? Or maybe your company isn't accepting any more applications till February? Well we're here to tell you to keep looking, and keep hiring!Many assume there's no point in hunting for jobs over the holiday season, but we've got a few reasons why you should keep applying.

We understand that after another long year of ups and downs, you want to spend this time relaxing and recharging, but for those still on the search for a new start, this could be the most effective time of year to really push those applications, and get your name at the top of the application pile for hiring managers to see, showing your determination to securing a new role. This time of year there's less competition and more room for eager applicants such as yourself, but if your still not convinced, continue below to see all the reasons why recommend you keep at it.

Our favourite season of the year is finally here. As we approach the end of 2023, many people will be starting to put their job searches on hold, slow down their hiring processes until the next year, but we’re here to tell you to keep hiring and keep applying! While it is tempting to put the CV to rest for the year and let loose for the holidays, December might be the best time of the year to start your search and there’s a few reasons why:


Candidates:


🎄 Less competition as people tend to stop applying.
As expected, a lot of people will be running around like fish out of water preparing for Christmas trips and family gatherings, which means there can be less competition for open positions, and with less people applying for jobs it’s much easier to stand out from the crowd and be noticed by hiring managers. People who are still getting their application in throughout the holiday season are showing hiring managers their determination to succeed and their commitment to securing employment, even during traditionally slower periods.

🦌 You'll be top of the hiring managers list of CVs for when they return from their holiday.
Getting your CV in during December is the best way to have your name at the top of the pile in January when offices open back up in the new year. As most organisations usually get their new hiring budgets for the year in January any hiring activity that was delayed in late December will now be able to move forward, so they’ll have a back log of positions that need to be filled and having your name at the top of the pile increases your visibility and your chances of landing the job. On top of this many companies dish out Christmas bonuses in December which means a lot of people wait until January to change jobs, another reason why there are lots of new hires in January.

🎁Get your CV in for roles on this side of the year, and then after the break you can hit the ground running with applying for other roles as you wait to hear back.

Submitting your CV for roles in December and January is a strategic move that sets you up to hit the ground running after the holidays. Proactively applying during this period positions you ahead of the rest and takes advantage of the typical decrease in job seeker activity. This can give you a greater opportunity to capitalise on employers heightened attention to applications during the post-holiday period. Submitting applications before the break lets you transition seamlessly into the new year, giving you a head start in the job search among other potential candidates. As you await responses, you can continue to actively pursue additional opportunities, maximizing your chances of securing interviews and potential job offers. This approach ensures that you hit the ground running in the early months of the year, demonstrating your commitment and enthusiasm to potential employers.

Don’t forget however, employers and hiring managers will definitely be taking time off over the holiday period, so make sure you let them settle back in before following up on your application. Usually giving 2-3 days after the holiday break will allow them to filter through emails and other admin, to properly review CVs and applications.


Clients:


🌟You’ll access the dedicated talent who are persevering with applications.
Continuing your hiring efforts during the holiday season is a smart move because it puts you in touch with candidates who are the most dedicated and persistent. Where other companies may be laying down the tools for the year, getting your role listed will see a more engaged applicative audience. People on the job hunt who are actively applying right up to Christmas are more likely to be highly engaged and motivated. Their commitment showcases a strong interest in securing new opportunities, making them valuable additions to your team. By tapping into this pool of candidates, you increase the likelihood of finding new hires who are only qualified and eager to be a part of your team and contribute to your organisation's success.

☃️ You can have it done and dusted this side of Christmas, meaning you can unwind in the break!
Finishing up the hiring process before Christmas offers you the gift of a stress-free holiday break, and an easy-going start when the office opens back up for the new year. Making hiring decisions earlier allows you to enter the festive season with an assurance that your team is strengthened and ready for the challenges of the new year. When you wrap up your recruitment before the break you can fully unwind and recharge without the lingering concerns of pending hiring decisions.

Plus, we're online and available through 22nd December, to help you fill those roles before you sign off for the year! You can reach out to any of the team by clicking here.

🥂 Our Consultants and team are working up to 22nd December and will be there to help you out!
Our fantastic team of consultants is here for you right up until December 22nd, ensuring we've got your back and are ready to assist however we can. We believe in spreading holiday cheer and helpfulness, so don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Our commitment to being online and available until December 22nd is all about making your hiring and applying journeys as smooth as possible. Whether you're knee-deep in candidate evaluations, navigating the ins-and-outs of the hiring process, or wading through a sea of job descriptions, our team is here to help.

Having a trusted recruitment partner by your side is an invaluable tool in the modern employment marketplace. Navigating candidate availability, skills & qualifications, and verifying authenticity, especially with the rise of AI in 2023, is more important than ever before. With our expertise, and our consultants bringing on average 12 years of industry experience, you can rest assured that your recruitment will be in the best of hands. So gift yourself a relaxing holiday this year, and some peace of mind, and get in touch with us today.

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