4 Reasons why the Recruitment market is still hot in December!

‘Tis the season to be jolly…

With the New Year fast approaching, many candidates take the time to reflect on the past 12 months and set themselves new goals for the following year. Where do I see myself this time next year? A step-up? Or a completely different career path? Do these questions prompt you to look for a new role in January? New Year, New Me, and all of that!

Many would agree that December is full of festive distractions, from slipping out at lunch to do that last-minute Christmas shopping, to the more than usual after-work drinks (consisting of a lot of mulled wine.) Productivity can drop, but don’t let this fool you. This doesn’t mean businesses aren’t hiring, in fact, this time of year is the perfect opportunity to get searching.

Considering finding a new job takes on average 2 months, are you missing out on a huge opportunity to get ahead of the New Year applicants?

Here are our top reasons why you should use December to gain a competitive advantage in 2019.  

#1 The Rise of the January ‘Seekers’

As December falls, many people take the time to re-evaluate their current position, and as a consequence, this tends to be the time people are more active. Whether it’s sticking it out to receive the upcoming Christmas bonus (often paid in February, March or April), or a long desire to completely redirect your career path, jobs that were previously filled become open at this time of the year.

From an employee’s perspective, it can leave the HR department frantically searching to fill the role to make up the headcount for the rest of the year. Some of these positions can be hot in demand, and employees ideally want to fill them as quickly as possible. Keep your eyes peeled and look out for these last-minute roles that pop up in December, ensuring your foot is first in the door!

#2 Needy recruiters

Businesses in general definitely feel the pace slow down as the Christmas season gets well underway, and recruitment is no different. Candidates wanting to find a new role tend to put it on the back of Santa’s sleigh whilst efforts are geared towards Christmas Day.

Don’t let that be you! Being proactive and making the time to apply during this busy period is an early Christmas present for all recruiters.

With candidates’ personal schedules picking up, CV’s generally pile in only now and then. This allows recruiters to dedicate a little more time in reviewing high-calibre CV’s and prepping candidates for every interview stage, ensuring a smooth and professional hiring process. This extra time and effort could be the difference between securing the role before other applicant’s come flooding in.

Read one of our most popular blog’s on how to properly prepare yourself for a job interview.

#3 Less Competition

At this time of year, the much-anticipated Black Friday sales are around the corner. Many search high and low for the best deals, making Christmas that little bit cheaper. Amongst these deals, last-minute holidays are also a popular purchase with those wanting to use the rest of their holiday before the year is out, particularly as discounts can be as much as 60% off! This becomes a great advantage for you - the more people are preoccupied with jetting off for some winter sun, the less competition there is for you to contend with.

During this time, try to be as flexible as possible to keep yourself one-step ahead. This is prime time to get you in the door and fingers crossed, leave with a brand new, gleaming job!

(Read here to find out whether Black Friday is just clever Marketing.)

#4 Networking

Christmas becomes everyone’s excuse for a social event. Whether it’s after work drinks or a business event hosted by industry leaders, it is the perfect time to get your name out there and let people know you’re in the market for a new job. Networking is key to building secure and substantial relationships, whether that’s for the present or creating a pipeline for future opportunities. And what better time to do it? The Christmas spirit inevitably makes people happier and relaxed, therefore more willing to want to help put you in touch with potential connections.

For more guidance on how social media can help you land a new job, read our previous blog here.

What about clients?

From the employer’s perspective, there’re a number of reasons why December is a great time to recruit.

Despite the perception upheld by many that businesses are too busy bogged down with new budgets and big projection plans to be recruiting… it may surprise you that this isn’t always the case.

By businesses bringing less attention to the fact they are hiring, it ultimately means candidates are less likely to have applied for numerous roles. Instead, they’re more flexible to interview, meaning once the perfect match has been found and an offer placed, no complications should get in the way, making the process quick and efficient, (an ideal situation for every employer). 

Getting candidates placed before the year is out means they step foot in the door sooner rather than later. Waiting until January to start the recruitment process delays the role being filled even further into the new year, due to bonuses and notice periods blocking the way.

With December on our doorstep, there really is no time like the present. If you want that new role secured before you tuck into your Roast Turkey, bite the bullet now. It really is worth keeping the momentum going and carrying the job search on throughout this crazy period, rather than waiting till the New Year.

However, be careful not to rush into anything. If you’re offered a job in December to get away from the dreaded 9-5 office role you’re currently doing, make sure it is the right fit for you. Just like any other time of the year, thoroughly analyse the offer and determine whether the role, the package and the company culture are the right fit for you.

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3Search is an award-winning UK recruitment consultancy, specialising in marketing, strategy & transformation, and tech positions. Whether you’re seeking new talent or looking for your next career move, we can help. Learn more at 3search.co.uk.