It’s the holiday season, and let’s face it; we NEED this time to decompress and celebrate after the crazy and unpredictable year we’ve had. As the season approaches (no matter what the year has been like), it gets harder and harder to keep the hiring process moving. Candidates can become unsure about taking on a new position when Christmas is on the horizon – and don’t forget about all the days scheduled out of the office, the hiring managers on vacation, and all of the other holiday hurtles.
So how do you keep the hiring process running smoothly while keeping your holiday spirit?! We’ve put together a helpful guide to stay on top of your current hiring needs and keeping the recruiting process efficient.
1. Over-Communicate
There’s no such thing as too much communication; especially right now! Many people are working from home, homeschooling multiple children, and dealing with the holidays during a pandemic. It’s an easy time for emails and voicemails to get lost in the shuffle, so don’t be afraid to make sure your candidate and clients know what’s going on through the entire hiring process.
2. Look ahead to 2021
We know, it’s so close yet so far away! But just like Christmas, the New Year will sneak up on you before you know it. Those 2021 projects you’ve been keeping at bay are virtually here, so it’s a good idea to get ahead of the game. PLAN your year and break down your goals. Productivity is executed through planning – so make sure that nothing can bring down your 2021. We were all blind-sided this year, but now we can prepare for the “worst” and know there’s a way to beat the odds of a slow year.
“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” – Paul J. Meyer
3. Continue building and nurturing your network and relationships
There is never a time to let up on building your network, but the holidays are a great time to build new relationships. The year is ending, adjustments are being made, and companies and candidates alike are re-evaluating their needs; there’s lots to talk about with managers and candidates to stir up new activity. Maybe it’s not a role you’re hiring for now but you work with managers who will have this role open in the near future – it’s worth building relationships with solid candidates ahead of time.
4. Don’t use slow time to slow down
Just because it feels like activity has slowed down does not mean you have to do the same. Take these few weeks to do the things on your calendar that you never have the time for. Remember that virtual job fair you wanted to attend? Or those trainings you’ve been wanting to take? Or how about organizing all those resumes you’ve shoved in a file folder the past year? There’s plenty to do during the downtime that will benefit your recruiting efforts! Make every day COUNT!
If you’re feeling that holiday slump, cheer up! There’s a whole year of opportunity ahead of you. Take right NOW to take control of the next few weeks and tackle your goals.