Hiring During the Holiday Season (And Why It’s a Great Time to Hire)

Why the Holiday Season is Prime Time for Hiring

Less Competition for Talent

Many companies press pause on hiring between November and January, creating a "quiet market" for job seekers. This lull provides a unique opportunity for your company to stand out. Fewer job postings mean candidates are more likely to notice your job listings, giving you better visibility and more qualified applicants.

Active and Motivated Candidates

Contrary to popular belief, many job seekers remain active during the holiday season. Some are using end-of-year bonuses as a springboard to look for new roles. Others have set New Year's career goals, making December a prime time for them to apply for jobs. By being present during this period, your company can attract candidates while others wait until January.

Stronger Employer Branding

Companies that continue hiring during the holidays signal to candidates that they’re growth-oriented and future-focused. This message can enhance your employer brand, making your organization more attractive to candidates who want to work for a forward-thinking company.

Early Access to New Year’s Talent Pool

Many candidates plan their job searches to begin in January. If your company is already hiring during the holiday season, you’re ahead of the curve. You can secure talent before other employers enter the fray, giving you a competitive advantage.

End-of-Year Budgets and Headcount Planning

For companies with “use-it-or-lose-it” budget constraints, the holiday season may be the last opportunity to lock in hiring costs before budgets reset in the new year. Additionally, hiring for Q1 initiatives during Q4 enables teams to hit the ground running as soon as January begins.

How to Stay Competitive in Hiring During the Holiday Season

Make Your Hiring Process Agile

The holiday season comes with scheduling challenges. Candidates and hiring managers alike may be on vacation, which can cause delays. Streamline your process by:

• Offering flexible interview times (including after-hours or virtual interviews).

• Empowering hiring managers to make quick decisions without multi-step approval processes.

• Utilizing pre-scheduled interview blocks where multiple candidates can be interviewed in one session.

Embrace Remote Work Flexibility

If your roles allow it, emphasize remote or hybrid work options in job postings. This can make your positions more appealing, especially during a season when people are prioritizing work-life balance. Remote roles also enable you to expand your candidate pool beyond your local market.

Update Your Job Descriptions for Holiday Appeal

Update your job descriptions to reflect end-of-year perks like sign-on bonuses, wellness benefits, or "start in January" options. Mention flexible start dates or remote onboarding, which may appeal to candidates who want to enjoy the holidays before starting a new role.

Create a Strong Holiday-Themed Recruitment Campaign

Lean into the holiday spirit in your employer branding. Use social media to showcase your company culture with behind-the-scenes photos of holiday events, community service initiatives, or employee spotlights. This builds goodwill and demonstrates your company values.

Enhance Your Candidate Communication

The last thing you want is for a great candidate to feel like they’ve been ghosted. To avoid delays caused by holiday vacations, set clear expectations for response times and interview scheduling. Automated follow-up emails and applicant tracking system (ATS) tools can help keep candidates informed and engaged.

Use Recruitment Marketing to Stand Out

Take advantage of the holiday "slow season" on job boards and social platforms like LinkedIn. Run sponsored job ads and highlight holiday perks like wellness days, holiday leave, and flexibility. During a period when competitors are quiet, your job ads have a greater chance of being seen.

Leverage Talent Networks and Employee Referrals

Employees have expanded social networks during the holidays, which makes it the perfect time to ask for referrals. Encourage employees to refer candidates, and consider offering a limited-time referral bonus as an incentive.

Prepare for a Strong Onboarding Process

Candidates hired during the holiday season often start in January. Use December to fine-tune your onboarding experience. A great onboarding process reduces turnover and ensures new hires are engaged, productive, and ready to make an impact.

Final Thoughts

While most companies are hitting "pause" on hiring, your organization can seize the opportunity to get ahead. The holiday season is a time of reflection, transition, and new beginnings — making it an ideal moment for job seekers to explore new opportunities. By staying active in the market, you can attract top-tier candidates, strengthen your employer brand, and set your team up for a successful start to the new year.

Take the opportunity to stay active, agile, and visible. The companies that continue to recruit during the holidays are the ones best positioned to hit the ground running in Q1. Don’t wait until January — the best candidates might be hired by then.