Four ways recruiters can make the most of the festive season

Christmas is just around the corner. Accordingly, so too is the lull that takes hold in many workplaces over the festive season. Even for office workers who don’t take leave in December, the month can seem like a good time to gear down – something that’s much appreciated given how manic our personal lives can get at this time of year.

So if you’re a recruiter, should you write Christmas off as a time to take stock rather than chase new leads? Surely there’s not much a talent pool to speak of, after all – as employees quit their offices to spend time with family and friends, finding a new job might not top their priorities.

However, canny recruiters will recognise this isn’t necessarily the case. Headhunting candidates might be trickier this side of the new year, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Similarly, the festive season is when you should be clearing your administrative backlog and getting your business in shape for the next 12 months, so there’s no excuse for resting on your laurels.

Here are some ways you can make the most of the Christmas period.

Connect to candidates on mobile

Mobile devices have changed the way we connect to the internet, and for many professionals, they’ve also blurred the boundaries between work and leisure. According to a recent report from Juniper Research, one billion consumer-grade smartphones and tablets will be used for work-related purposes by 2018 – more than a third (35 per cent) of all mobile devices.

This means that for a growing number of employees who take time off over Christmas, work is never far away. And even if they’re not thinking of their corporate responsibilities, they’re probably using some of their free time to browse social networks like LinkedIn – a good opportunity for the proactive recruiter to get in touch.

Take advantage of the festive mood

If you’re faced with a shrinking pool of prospects over the Christmas break, it’s important to stay positive – the candidates you do come across might be some of the best you speak to all year. Some will be making new year’s resolutions, while others are sure to spend time taking stock of their finances – having been hit deep in the pocket by seasonal expenses, the offer of a generously remunerated position might spark their interest.

Meanwhile, even if your prospects aren’t motivated my cash – many will be getting bonus payouts, after all – there’s still festive goodwill to fall back on. The positive buzz surrounding Christmas means it’s often easier to strike up productive conversations – it might even be a good time of year to solicit referrals from your temps and contract workers.

Build your brand

When the Christmas lull does set in, you should be thinking of other ways in which you can get your business in shape for the new year. Consider putting some resources towards building your relationships with clients and contractors – the festive season is an opportunity to show them they’re valued beyond the obvious business they bring you.

Even if you’re just sending out holiday greetings or promotional gifts, you’ll be doing good for your brand image and might even inspire a one-time contact to get back in touch.

Get back on top of administrative tasks

While it’s less of an exciting prospect, if you’re still finding you have a surplus of free time over the Christmas period you might consider getting back on top of your administrative backlog. Whether you like it or not, there’s no excuse to let a idle holiday period go to waste and start the new year with timesheets strayed, out-of-date adverts still live and candidates still waiting for job details.

It might not seem like an attractive way to spend Christmas in the office, but it’s important you don’t let the January rush catch you with November’s backlog still to tackle.