New year, new you, right? It turns out that this popular saying may ring true for many job seekers out there.
A recent study found that job seekers are 35% more active in January than they are at any other time of year. So, if you're thinking about hiring, now is the time to start your process.
This January job seeker activity can be attributed to a few things. For one, many people use the start of the new year as a time to reflect on their careers and set goals for the year ahead. They may decide that they want to switch jobs or make a career change and start actively searching for new opportunities.
Additionally, the festive period can be a stressful time for many people, and they may use the new year as a fresh start to look for a job that better suits their needs.
Whatever the reason, here are our top tips for how to use January to your advantage:
Post-Holiday Hiring
There are a few key reasons why it’s best to start hiring after Christmas. Many people are already in the process of looking for new jobs at this time of year, which means that you’ll have a larger pool of qualified candidates to choose from.
Additionally, starting the hiring process after Christmas gives you a chance to assess your company’s needs for the upcoming year. This ensures that you’re only hiring the number of people you need, which can help save you money in the long run.
How to Get a Head Start
Take a look at your current workforce and see where you might need to make some changes. Are there any positions that need to be filled? Are there any areas where you're falling short? Once you've identified your needs, you can start to develop a plan for how to fill those gaps.
Next, take a look at your budget and see how much you can realistically afford to spend on hiring. You may need to make some adjustments to your budget to free up some funds for hiring, but it's important to make sure you're realistic about what you can afford.
Using recruitment agencies can also help you get a head start as they'll already have a large talent pool that could be immediately available to you.
New Years Resolutions
Many candidates use the New Year as a chance to start their job search anew. By getting your jobs out early in January, you'll have a better chance of attracting top talent.
A recent YouGov poll found that pursuing a new career ambition was the fifth most popular New Year's Resolution for 2023 - even more reason to start your hiring process now!
Start Afresh With Your Hiring Strategy
If you're looking to attract top talent, now is a great time to review your employer brand. Candidates who are actively job-seeking may not be the only ones you should target. Even if your ideal candidate is not actively looking for a new opportunity, they might be open to hearing about one if it's a good fit. So take this opportunity to promote your company and the unique opportunities you offer. You never know who you might reach.