If you think the festive season is only good for planning recruitment rather than actively hiring, you’re not alone. But savvy recruiters know December can actually be a golden opportunity to reach quality candidates. Instead of slowing down, this time of year can give you an edge, letting you optimise your recruitment strategy for the months ahead.
So, why should you advertise your jobs in December? Here are five compelling reasons to get ahead of your competition and make the most of the festive season.
1. Stand out in a less crowded market
With many businesses opting to hold off on hiring until the new year, December sees a significant reduction (often around 25%-30%) in job adverts. However, job searches remain high, as candidates continue looking for new opportunities for the new year ahead. Advertising in December can give your vacancies greater visibility and reduce competition, helping you attract top talent with targeted, well-crafted ads.
2. Reach passive job seekers
The holiday season provides more downtime, and many job seekers begin thinking about a fresh start in the new year. Previously passive candidates are now taking a look at the job market. Since they may also have more flexibility to attend interviews or trial days, it’s an ideal time to engage them. Showcase your company culture during by advertising in December to give candidates a taste of what it’s like to work with you at a high point in the year.
3. Make your budget go further
December often brings special deals from recruitment advertising companies- like the Flat Fee Recruiter Advert Calendar (coming soon!). Use this to your advantage and negotiate better rates or make use of leftover budget before year-end. With Pay Per Click (PPC) campaigns on platforms like Indeed or Facebook, you might find that keyword competition is cheaper too – a win-win for maximising ROI.
4. Get a head start for the New Year
The hiring process often takes longer than expected, especially with the holiday season affecting response times. If you want new hires ready to start in January, begin your search now to ensure a smooth start in Q1. Having key roles filled before the new year can reduce stress for your team and help everyone hit the ground running.
5. Get organised during the slowdown
December’s natural slowdown is perfect for tackling those important recruitment tasks you’ve put off. Use this time to build talent pools, network with potential candidates, and explore new advertising channels. With a recruitment partner like Flat Fee Recruiter, you can handle all this while focusing on other year-end priorities.
Recruitment success often comes down to being in the right place at the right time. If you have hiring needs on the horizon, don’t wait until January. Start advertising now to attract top candidates, get ahead of your competition, and use the festive season to your advantage.
Let us support your next hiring campaign – give us a call at 0113 322 7243 or email us at [email protected]. Our team is ready to answer your questions and help you build a successful recruitment strategy.
