This is the time of year when recruitment activity often hits a speed bump – except for the smart operators. We see lots of line managers who get to the end of November and, even when their business plan or budget demands end of financial year (June 30) outcomes, decide that recruiting now is not a great time and that they should wait till the New Year.
The smart companies have realised that this is really a great time to attract new talent. Employees are in the zone. Often at the end of a calendar year they decide it may be time to move on. Those who are rewarded on a calendar year basis will hang around till they pick up any bonuses that they have earned on December 31st and then leave.
Look for Talent when no one else is
For companies needing great talent, especially where the talent is competitively sought, this is a great time to recruit – why?
Here’s ten reasons:
- Line managers have their eye off the ball, they are not focused on retaining talent or engaging new talent, believing that all is safe on the run in to Chritsmas.
- HR have their eye off the ball too – they are focused on a raft of year end work…. making sure the right bonuses are paid, that performance reviews are completed and even that the Christmas Party is free of OH&S risks.
- Talent is open to talking, they can’t achieve much more this year, so investigation has appeal.
- Talent that accepts a new role as late as December 24th is off the market. They will generally not look for other opportunities over the break.
- Competition is sleeping – why would they recruit when everyone is on holiday?
- This also means that any advertising or search activity is more likely to be noticed by the people required – there is less noise
- New talent hired before Christmas will make a contribution before the end of financial year.
- Talent hired post Christmas will, more than likely, not start before Mid March, Easter is not far behind and they will have barely completed on-boarding by the time June 30 arrives.
- The Talent takes a break and arrives fresh and rested to start their new challenges
- There is almost now opportunity for counter offer from the existing employer.
So, don’t run with the crowd, find the best talent while your competitors are napping.
