Most work places are beginning to think about the office Christmas party that’s coming up rather than thinking of recruiting this side of Christmas. However, December is actually a prime time for snapping up talented staff. Despite the general perception that January is when everyone starts looking for new jobs, December is far more ideal.
Planning Ahead
If you’re planning to recruit more staff, it would be logical to think that January is the time to start looking. It’s true that many people will return to work after a Christmas break and make a New Year’s resolution to find a new challenge. There will always be plenty of candidates available in January. Equally, there’s likely to be plenty of jobs on offer too.
Companies also see the New Year as a fresh start and the right time to recruit too. Therefore, competition will be high in the New Year. If you get ahead of the opposition, you have the advantage of offering an individual a job instead of having to negotiate. Especially if they have been offered alternative employment elsewhere. You may end up having to offer a higher salary than you’d planned in order to secure the person you want.
Traditionally, December is a quieter month. You may well be winding down for the Christmas break. However, this makes it a great opportunity for recruitment. As it is a quieter month, you may also have more time available to focus on the recruitment process. With less day-to-day pressure, it’s an ideal time to ease someone new into the business. Then you can train them in readiness to hit the ground running in January.
Beat the Competition
With fewer employers recruiting this side of Christmas, a well-timed recruitment push will mean you have access to a full talent pool of candidates. You will have the potential to take your pick. And without the added risk of losing the candidate you really want or having to make more costly counter offers.
January is often when new targets are introduced, so it pays to be prepared in readiness for new initiatives. This will help by having your new staff ready to take on the extra load. They will already be trained to achieve your New Year targets. January is also often considered to be a bit of a miserable month. Candidates are likely to be attracted by the thought of training before Christmas. Then they can start the New Year with real purpose.
Contact Us
So, if you know you need to recruit, do it now while it’s an employer’s market. Take advantage of the end of year lull, the ideal candidate may be only a few CVs away.
If you would like more advice on recruiting 
this side of Christmas or any other HR issue, please call Metis on 01706 565332 or email info@metishr.co.uk
