Recruiting Well During the Summer

Do you adapt your recruitment process to the seasons??

Summer is officially here! School is almost out for summer, and across the UK, millions are gearing up for staycations and vacations alike. While we might wonder if we've already had our share of sunshine in dear old Britain, don't be deceived into thinking summer's over—because it's not! With it comes skeleton staff, more flexible hours, office BBQs, and stocked freezers of ice cream.

As much as we want you to enjoy and create lasting memories this summer, we also want to stress the importance of a fair recruitment process during the holiday season!

So, how do you maintain transparency and recruit fairly when half the office is on beach time? How can you make sure every applicant gets a fair shot at their desired role? Here’s your ultimate playbook for mastering fair recruitment this summer. After all, fairness isn't just about ticking boxes—it's about building trust and attracting a diverse mix of talent.

Clear Job Descriptions (not just for summer, by the way)

Start with job descriptions that are as clear as the sunshine on a summer's day! Outline everything from responsibilities to the must-haves like you're writing a recipe for the perfect hire. Did you know, 82% of job seekers say that clear job descriptions improve their perception of a company? (source) So, skip the jargon and buzzwords—be crystal clear about what you need and watch those top-notch applicants roll in like waves on the beach!

Transparent Recruitment Process

Assuming a candidate will wait for you to offer interviews is not the best recruitment strategy to adopt. We’d argue that you can’t get worse than a lack of transparency! So many still don’t quite understand how important it is; therefore, transparency could be your secret weapon during the summer recruitment frenzy. Spell out the steps, set realistic timelines, and show candidates you're as straightforward as a perfect beach day forecast. It’s how you build trust, retain candidates, and ensure everyone's on board for the sunniest hire of the season!

Flexible Scheduling

Recognise that during the summer holiday season, candidates' schedules can be as unpredictable as the British weather. Offer flexibility in scheduling interviews to accommodate their commitments and ensure everyone has equal access to opportunities. After all, it could be the difference between sealing the deal and starting the search all over again!

Keeping new hires engaged over the summer holiday

It's always important to keep a new hire engaged. The period between offering the job and the candidate's start date can be fragile and uncertain for the candidate. During the summer, this period might be longer due to holidays and skeleton staff. It's wise to ensure you don't bring on a new team member when you're unable to provide them with an excellent onboarding experience. Did you know? 69% of employees are more likely to stay with a company for three years if they experience great onboarding (source ).

Our top tips for maintaining engagement!

1. Regular communication – a simple email, text or phone call makes a difference a) it ensures the candidate is happy b) you can spot the red flags quicker, should they arise
2. Send welcome messages from the team they’ll be working in or for smaller companies from the entire workforce, this helps the new recruit feel part of the team from the get-go!
3. Can you share the employee handbook, relevant online courses, lunch and learns or reading material that will help them get excited about the new role
4. Virtual meet-ups or project previews – this will depend on the role they’ll be doing and/or if your business organises virtual meet-ups. Equally, you might be able to switch this out for something your business does offer.
5. Customised onboarding plan which includes key dates for their diary e.g., upcoming team events they’ll be part of. The people they’ll meet or learn from on their first day and include links to their LinkedIn profiles. Again, this just increases familiarity and helps the new starter feel welcome and part of the team!

By following the above, you can ensure a fair and engaging recruitment process that stands up to the challenges of the summer season.

So, will you be adapting your recruitment process for the season??

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