Before working in recruitment, I just presumed that the Christmas period was the time when companies began to slow down, put a hold on hiring and just leave recruitment to the New Year. But how true is this?

Since joining Thompson & Terry Recruitment, I have seen how busy recruitment is and now, with only 2 weeks until Christmas, there is no such thing as ‘slowing down’. Of course, some businesses will put a freeze on hiring, but lots of businesses want to hire in December, with the view to start candidates in January and start the New Year on a high.

I have put together a few reasons why I believe, based on my experience of working in recruitment for Thompson & Terry Recruitment so far, why the festive season is a good time to apply for another job:

Less competition

 At Thompson & Terry Recruitment, we are still taking on new clients, vacancies and job opportunities – which shows that employers are still keen to recruit before Christmas. However, we do see a dip in candidates wanting to apply for a new job or candidates actively looking for a new role. In my experience most candidates just presume that no jobs are open, so they don’t look. But, this is not a bad thing!

Actually, if you choose to apply for a role over Christmas (when other candidates aren’t), you will get more spotlight on you and your application and therefore, you may have less competition for the job. This shows that actually, applying for a role over Christmas may be very beneficial for you! Just think – less candidates applying, results in less competition for you!

First in the pile

Companies don’t just stop recruitment; it’s more a case of hiring managers and interviewers understandably taking annual leave all at different times throughout Christmas. This of course, makes it hard to recruit – but it does not mean they are not recruiting.

This just makes it very difficult to organise interviews that suit both the candidate and the interviewer, so your interview may just get organised for the new year. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing. If you apply for a role over Christmas, you will be the first in the pile in the new year – the first candidate they view (not to mention how motivated you look applying for roles during a time when most candidates won’t).

New year, new job

Choosing to apply for a job during the holidays saves you time searching for new jobs in January – when everyone else is back on the market. By getting a head start and knowing what role you want is a very good way to start the New Year. Often you will be able to schedule an interview for either just before Christmas or for the very beginning of the New Year – again, saving so much time searching, applying and waiting for a response from employers (who will be busy catching up after the holidays).

Be prepared, give yourself a head start and start the New Year on a high – either with a new job or preparing for an interview for your next role. Just remember, your job application will face less competition during this time, so get searching and apply for your dream job now! What’s stopping you?

Good Luck and Merry Christmas!

If you need any advice, then get in touch:

t: 01235 797 177
e: aoife@thompsonandterry.co.uk