We Explore the Pros and Cons of Hiring over the Festive Season 

The festive season brings with it a unique set of challenges and opportunities for businesses looking to hire new staff. In this article, we’ll explore both the positive and negative aspects of recruiting during the holiday season, and delve into how agencies, recruiters, and hiring managers can enhance the candidate experience by maintaining consistent communication.

The Bright Side: Why Festive Season Hiring is a Winner

During the holidays, job seekers often find themselves with a bit more time on their hands. This can result in a more engaged and eager talent pool, ready to explore new opportunities. Not only this but, hiring new staff during the festive season can inject a sense of excitement and positivity into the existing team. The fresh faces can contribute to a vibrant and dynamic workplace culture improving the team spirit and morale. With fewer competing priorities and a sense of urgency before the year-end, decision-making processes within organizations tend to be more streamlined too, potentially speeding up the hiring process which can ultimately secure a great new candidate and start the new year with a fresh face in the mix.

The Less Bright Side: Why Festive Hiring may be Tricky

On the opposite side however, festive season hiring can also potentially be negative as the holiday season often means candidates might be taking time off for vacations or family commitments. This reduced availability can slow down the recruitment process. With many businesses operating on reduced schedules or staff during the festive season, the onboarding of new hires can be delayed, affecting their ability to hit the ground running in the new year. As companies rush to fill positions before the end of the year, candidates may also find themselves juggling multiple job offers simultaneously, creating a competitive environment that can be challenging for employers. For many candidates who apply for positions prior to Christmas, sometimes the delay in hearing about a role can be particularly stressful too, so many do not apply in the hope the role will still be available in the New Year. Often, not contacting candidates can lead to a fairly negative experience so QJumpers has looked at particular ways in which you can improve the Candidate Experience.

• Transparent Communication:
  Agencies, recruiters, and hiring managers should communicate clearly and transparently about the hiring timeline and potential delays due to the festive season. Setting realistic expectations can help manage candidate frustration.
• Virtual Communication Channels:
  Leverage virtual communication channels for interviews and updates to accommodate candidates who may be traveling or working remotely during the holidays.
• Personalised Touch:
  Add a personal touch to the candidate experience by sending holiday greetings or personalised messages. This not only demonstrates genuine interest but also fosters a positive connection between the candidate and the hiring team.
• Post-Application Engagement:
  Implement a robust post-application engagement strategy, ensuring that candidates are kept informed about the status of their application even during the holiday break. Regular updates can alleviate uncertainty and maintain candidate interest.

With the festive season is in full swing for many, with its blend of joy and chaos, can be both a blessing and a challenge for hiring teams. By understanding the unique dynamics at play and implementing thoughtful communication strategies, talent acquirers can ensure a positive candidate experience that lasts well beyond the holiday season.