Why waiting to hire experienced talent until January is a mistake

In this episode, of 'The Recruitment Roundup' hosts Mike Leather and Sam Musiyarira tackle common misconceptions about recruiting before Christmas.

As the year draws to a close, many companies hit "pause" on recruitment, intending to dive back into hiring come January. But here’s why waiting to hire experienced talent until the new year may actually hinder your team’s goals - and how acting now can give you a competitive edge.

Tune in and learn why now is the time to maximise your recruitment strategy before Christmas!

Common client misconceptions

1. “Candidates aren’t looking over the holidays”

Many companies believe that over the holiday season, potential hires are too focused on festivities to think about career changes.

The truth?

This period is prime for candidates to reflect on career goals and consider new opportunities. People often make career decisions at the close of the year, not when business is back to its usual business in January.

2. “The best candidates aren’t available now”

There's a myth that top talent only emerges in January, but high-quality candidates are constantly open to change. Experienced professionals often consider opportunities year-round.

Waiting could mean you’re missing out on driven, qualified candidates who are open to new roles now.

3. “Training should start in January”

While it may seem logical to align training with the new year, bringing new hires on board before January means they’re ready to go when business ramps up.

Early recruiting means better onboarding time and a smoother transition for new hires to hit the ground running come January.

4. “There are plenty of candidates in January”

Many hiring managers mistakenly believe there will be an ample supply of active candidates in the new year. Unfortunately, there is always an influx of hiring by multiple companies in January, creating stiff competition.

Waiting until then could mean a longer hiring timeline and a much tougher market for top-tier talent.

The reality of the recruitment market

January and February are typically flooded with companies competing for talent, making the job market crowded and recruitment more challenging.

While the active job market varies, the pool of passive candidates - who tend to have the sought-after experience - remains relatively stable year-round. However, passive candidates often need more than just a job post to get excited about a new opportunity.

Relying solely on job ads to attract candidates often falls short, especially in niche areas. The best talent might not actively search job boards but can be persuaded by the right outreach.

??Listen to our previous podcast episode about why companies are struggling to recruit sales talent in January?

Strategies to attract passive candidates

To reach experienced professionals who aren’t actively job hunting, here are a few key strategies:

1.Strengthen Your Employer Brand

Passive candidates are more likely to engage if they recognise and respect your brand. A robust employer brand that communicates your values, mission, and workplace culture can catch the eye of professionals even before they’re in the market for a new role.

Read our blog about how to build a standout employer brand.

2. Engage on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is a powerhouse for reaching the right professionals. By connecting with industry leaders and relevant professionals, you can build rapport and stay top of mind. Personalized, engaging LinkedIn messages that highlight what makes your company unique are especially effective. Use videos or PDFs to make your pitch stand out.#

3. Personalise, Personalise, Personalise

Use LinkedIn strategically through personalised messaging and engaging content.

Generic outreach rarely resonates with high-caliber talent. Research and tailor your messages to each candidate, showcasing what makes the role ideal for them specifically.

Personalised communication increases your chance of engagement and shows candidates that your company values individuality.

Learn more about what to post as a sales professional on LinkedIn. Listen to the podcast episode on LinkedIn content & posting tips for sales professionals now.

Sam Musiyarira's top tip for salespeople

It's crucial salespeople have a deep knowledge of the product, or the service combined with thorough preparation to effectively "sell" to clients.

??Listen to the full podcast now and hear Sam's top tip in more depth.

'The Recruitment Roundup' by BMS Performance is a weekly Podcast discussing hiring and sales strategy tips for sales professionals. Tune in every Wednesday at 5 pm on Spotify , Apple Podcasts , or YouTube .

Connect with our podcast hosts:

Mike Leather and Sam Musiyarira