That hazy time of year just after Halloween and just before the holidays
As the echoes of Halloween's spookiness fade, a dynamic metamorphosis takes hold. Retailers swiftly transition from ghoulish displays to festive extravagance, heralding the imminent arrival of the holiday season. Thanksgiving and Super Bowl Sunday find themselves relegated to the sidelines, overshadowed by the frenetic anticipation of Black Friday's blockbuster deals and discounts—a prelude to the grand finale of the year.
Within this whirlwind of activity lies a strategic window for the discerning: the late-year hiring season.
Drawing from the trenches of my role as an HR director and Talent Manager, December traditionally ushers in a professional hush. The corporate sphere slips into what I affectionately dub "eggnog mode," a collective winding down that spans several weeks. Queries and initiatives are met with a dismissive wave, accompanied by the resounding refrain, "Call us in January to discuss that..." The holidays beckon, and professionals either find themselves jetting off to exotic locales or eagerly counting down the days until their year-end hiatus, prepping for the in-laws and outlaws descending on their homes in the weeks ahead.
Yet, amidst this apparent tranquility, a league of audacious managers rises to the challenge. Understanding that the eggnog-induced stupor may persist well into January, they embark on a mission to defy convention. November and December become critical months for decision-making, as these managers strive to launch initiatives before the lethargy extends into February or beyond.
In the financial wing of companies, a parallel dance unfolds. Departments grapple with year-end rituals, from closing the books on the calendar year to preparing for the fiscal one that lies ahead. The allure of annual bonuses casts a spell on employees, their minds oscillating between holiday revelry and the promise of a financial windfall in the first quarter. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation comedy about Clark Griswold awaiting his Christmas bonus to arrive is a classic tale for the pop culture ages. Amidst this chaotic swirl, hiring often takes a back seat, trampled by the exhilaration of holiday preparations.
Yet, for those who savor a challenge and are on the hunt for extraordinary talent, the pre-holiday frenzy unveils a concealed treasure—the opportune moment to initiate conversations with prospective hires.
Picture making a strategic hire before the year bows out, seamlessly integrating a new team member just as the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. It's an opportunity to surge ahead of the competition, harnessing the distractions of the festive season to your advantage.
In this bustling landscape of year-end festivities and financial closures, a savvy hiring manager can navigate the chaos and emerge triumphant. The late-year hiring season, much like a high-stakes Black Friday stampede, offers the chance to secure top-tier talent amidst the clamor, setting the stage for a triumphant and auspicious start to the upcoming year.
So, why procrastinate until January? Seize the momentum of the pre-holiday frenzy and craft your next hire as a headline in the end-of-year success saga. And if you need help building a candidate list in a hurry give us a call. We can crash the doors early and manage the Black Friday crush for you. Think of us building your holiday wishlist for a great new addition to your team!