Générez 5x plus de candidats qualifiés
How do you manage the holidays when you're a recruiter? Avoid this season's recruiting missteps to start the new year off on a sparkling note.
This time of year is especially challenging for hiring professionals who want to keep getting things done while everyone is on vacation mode. Getting candidates through the hiring process seems impossible, but no one wants to take a break for an entire month. It's easy to get nervous about the slow winter, but no one wants to be the zealous recruiter, who tarnishes the spirit of the season with constant reminders.
Good news! Here are some tips for staying productive this holiday season (not on the naughty list) that candidates and colleagues will appreciate:
9 tips for a recruiter to manage the holiday season perfectly:
1. Don't expect quick communication.
2. Invite candidates to the company evening.
3. Don't contact people on D-Day.
5. Self-assessment.
6. Think of the students.
7. Talk to managers.
9. Relax and recharge your batteries!
1. Don't expect fast communication
Needless to say, people are busy while on vacation. Don't expect quick answers from candidates. Beware of reminders that are too insistent - they will quickly get boring - instead, take advantage of this time to ensure that The process is on top for the new year.
2. Invite candidates to the company evening
If this seems appropriate, invite the best candidates to the company evening to get to know the team and get acquainted with the company culture.
This invitation can be a useful strategy to reinforce their interest in the company and to help assess their cultural fit. This will give them the opportunity to meet the employees present, to observe the dynamics of the company and to better understand its values and culture.
Establishing a positive relationship with candidates strengthens their commitment to the company and facilitates their decision-making if several job opportunities are available to them, and therefore attracts new talent in demand (discover in this article). How to retain your top talent once you have convinced them).
3. Don't contact people on D-Day
Just don't do it, that's all. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, but it's still a holiday so no professional exchanges.
Consider adding other religious holidays to your calendar so you don't accidentally schedule meetings on a religious day.
If you know that you are planning a meeting on a religious day, but not a holiday (don't schedule a meeting on a holiday, really), it may be appropriate to indicate this in your email.
4. Spreading the holiday spirit
Wish the candidates happy holidays and a happy new year. It's a simple gesture that makes candidates feel special.
Many recruiters wonder what kind of manners to use. The term “Happy Holidays” is a great and inclusive term, but “Merry Christmas” doesn't have to be bad either.
Don't assume someone's religion, but if you know that a candidate is celebrating an often-overlooked holiday, recognition of their practice might be appreciated.
5. Self-assessment
As there are fewer candidates to meet, it is the ideal time to take stock of the year. What were the big victories? What new ways can you attract new talent? How to distribute your job offers as widely as possible ?
6. Think of the students
Students will be on vacation. They're probably at home, they're probably bored, and they're probably asking a lot of questions about their future - it's a demographic that can appreciate information about open possibilities...
7. Talk to managers
As part of self-assessment and planning, get their feedback on the previous year and set shared goals for the next 365 days. And, of course, learn what profiles they expect to need!
8. Update everything
Make sure all information is up to date. Career sites, social media profiles, review sites (like Glassdoor, etc.), and job descriptions should all be accurate at the start of the year. Don't forget profile photos, too many professionals have outdated photos. Make sure the photo was taken a maximum of the last three years.
9. Relax and recharge your batteries!
Don't burn out before the start of the new year! Don't forget to switch off your email inbox for a few days and enjoy the holidays.
To go further on the topics of Employer Branding and Candidate Acquisition, consult our free tools.
PS: If you've learned anything useful, we're counting on you to share this article with ❤️!
