As the year winds down and the festive season approaches, it’s tempting for both job seekers and employers to hit pause on hiring. However, if you’re hoping for new employees to hit the ground running in January, starting your recruitment process now is critical. Here’s why timing matters, and why waiting until after the holidays may result in missed opportunities and delays.
1. Notice Periods: Accounting for Transition Time
Many candidates, especially those in professional roles, need to serve a notice period before moving to a new position. In the UK, notice periods can range from two weeks to three months or more, depending on the role and the contract terms. If your goal is to bring on new talent for January, starting the process now gives candidates time to complete their notice period, so they’re ready to go once the new year starts.
2. The Festive Season Delays Can Slow the Hiring Process
Reduced Availability: Candidates, hiring managers, and other decision-makers often take time off, which can result in scheduling challenges and delays in interviews and onboarding.
Limited Candidate Pool: Many candidates actively seek roles before the end of the year to secure a position for January. By starting your search now, you can capture this active group before other employers compete for their attention in the new year.
Admin Processes Take Longer: Background checks, reference checks, and other administrative steps may take longer during the Christmas period, especially if external agencies are involved. Initiating these tasks before the festive season kicks into high gear helps ensure smoother, faster processing.
3. Competition for Talent: Beat the January Rush
January is one of the busiest times for hiring, as many businesses start fresh with new goals, budgets, and roles to fill. If you wait until January to begin recruiting, you’ll likely be competing with numerous other companies, which can make it more difficult (and sometimes more expensive) to attract the best candidates. By getting ahead now, you reduce the risk of losing top talent to competitors who started their hiring process earlier.
4. Building and Sustaining Momentum in the New Year
Bringing new team members on board either at the end of the year or right at the beginning of the year can help your organisation start with momentum. New hires often bring fresh perspectives and energy, which can boost team morale and productivity. December onboarding also means your new team member has time to adjust and become familiar with projects, so they’re better prepared to contribute to key initiatives by January.
5. Optimising for Financial Planning and Goal Setting
Many companies set ambitious goals for Q1, and being fully staffed by January is a critical part of achieving them. Delaying the hiring process until the new year could mean essential roles remain unfilled well into Q1, potentially impacting your team’s ability to meet targets. From a budgeting standpoint, hiring in December can also allow for more accurate financial planning, as you’ll have a clearer view of staffing costs going into January.
Tips for Success: How to Recruit Effectively Before the Festive Period
Streamline Your Process: Ensure that your hiring steps are clear, concise, and efficient. Aim to reduce delays by preparing interview schedules and decision timelines in advance.
Communication: Many candidates also aim to start in January, so being clear about timelines and expectations can attract those looking to make a move soon.
Prepare for a Strong Onboarding: If you’re hiring in December, set up an onboarding plan that allows new hires to integrate smoothly, even if it means starting with introductory meetings or assigning a mentor to guide them.
Starting the hiring process now is an investment in your team’s success for 2025. By planning ahead, you can ensure that your organisation enters the new year fully staffed, prepared, and ready to achieve your goals. Don’t let the Christmas rush leave you with an empty seat—start hiring today for a stronger January!
