So this is Christmas... so what?!
That time of year is upon us again… Minced pies and mistletoe, Cliff Richard and Quality Street, Granny’s just ‘resting her eyes’ and Dad’s allowing absolutely no one to beat him at Rummy.
Christmas is so highly anticipated; we plan for it all year.
So why when it comes to December, does commerce and industry take a ‘we best leave it ‘til the New Year’ approach?
In recruitment, we ready ourselves for the festive ‘lull’ as many clients and candidates simply don’t want to do anything until the new year.
But, commercially thinking, here’s a few reasons why not to wait until the new year and why it’s best to get started on your recruitment plans or start looking for that new job; right now!
1. The recruitment process typically takes 6-8 weeks, so if you start looking in the new year, the role realistically won’t be filled until March. If you need someone to start in the new year, you should already be at offer stage by now!
2. Left over annual leave. Use it or you lose it! It’s not always the most enjoyable way to use up annual leave, but it’s certainly a constructive way! Way better than taking a week off just before Christmas to stuff your face with minced pies and swat up on your Trivial Pursuit question cards…
3. Not enough spending money? Employees might be feeling the pinch of the holiday season on their wallets, so it’s a great time to tempt talent away.
4. More free time. Because everyone seems to have the same mentality; ‘wait ‘til the new year’ it means a lot of catch ups, events, networking lunches and board meetings get cancelled or postponed, meaning there’s more time to squeeze in those necessary interviews.
5. Good vibes! Holding interviews in your business at this time of year gives a fantastic impression to potential employees. The Christmas tree is up, fairy lights litter the office and even Mary on reception has her reindeer antlers on – what a better first impression for your new starter!?
6. Lower competition. As many other like-minded people will have the ‘wait ‘til the new year’ bug, it’s a perfect time to job search as you have much less competition to go up against for that dream job!
7. Festive slacking. This time of year brings a suitable ‘slacking’ culture, which makes it even easier to tell your boss you need to leave work early to pick up tinsel and it’s totally acceptable.
8. Spirits are high! People are just generally in a better mood, interviews are more relaxed, people are feeling positive and more generous, so it’s a brilliant time to put two and two together and watch Christmas sparks fly!
So all in all, it’s a great time to recruit and to job hunt! So get in the festive mood by updating that resume, screening through prospect CV’s, booking in those Crimbo interviews and getting your jobs filled!
Then, you can look forward to the New Year and have another reason for Champagne at midnight!