Hiring During the Holidays: Why Now Is Actually the Best Time to Recruit

By Caitlin Finlay

Many companies hit pause on hiring when the holidays roll around, assuming that November and December are too busy or too slow to attract good candidates. It is a common belief that job seekers are distracted by travel, family, and festivities, and that recruiters should wait until January to start fresh. The truth is, this mindset can cause companies to miss out on incredible talent. In reality, the end of the year can be one of the most effective and strategic times to recruit. 

Job Seekers Are Reflecting and Ready to Make a Move 

While some employers take a step back, job seekers are often doing the opposite. As the year winds down, many people begin reflecting on their goals, careers, and what they want to change before the new year begins. They look back at what worked, what did not, and what kind of role would make them feel more fulfilled in the year ahead. For those who feel stuck or undervalued, the holidays can spark a sense of urgency to start searching. 

This makes November and December an ideal time for recruiters to connect with motivated candidates. Many professionals use their downtime during the holidays to update resumes, browse job boards, or respond to recruiter messages. They are thinking ahead, eager to find a fresh opportunity, and more open to meaningful conversations about their next step. 

Less Competition Means More Visibility 

The myth that hiring slows down during the holidays often works to your advantage. When other companies pause their recruitment efforts, your openings stand out more clearly to candidates. With fewer job postings competing for attention, active and passive job seekers are more likely to notice your opportunities. 

This reduced competition also means that your outreach goes further. Sending a well-crafted message or reconnecting with a promising candidate from earlier in the year can lead to higher response rates. Even if you do not make immediate hires, you will build valuable relationships and establish trust with potential candidates before your competitors re-enter the market in January. 

The quieter pace of business in December also makes it a great time to plan ahead. Many organizations finalize budgets and headcount for the upcoming year, giving recruiters the green light to identify roles and begin sourcing early. By January, while other companies are just restarting their searches, you will already have a warm pipeline of engaged, qualified candidates ready to interview. 

Keep Pipelines Warm Through Smart, Consistent Communication 

Recruiting during the holidays is not just about posting jobs, it is about staying connected. One of the most effective strategies during this time is to focus on keeping your candidate pipeline warm. Even if hiring decisions will not be finalized until the new year, staying in touch keeps candidates interested and engaged. 

Send brief check-ins, share updates about your organization, or simply wish candidates a happy holiday season. These small gestures show that you value their time and interest, and they help your company stand out in a thoughtful way. Letting candidates know when you will reconnect or what the next step in the process will be also helps manage expectations. 

Hiring Now Sets You Up for a Strong Start in the New Year 

Continuing to recruit through the holidays sends a strong message about your organization’s culture and priorities. It shows that your team is proactive, organized, and committed to building momentum rather than waiting for the calendar to turn. That energy resonates with candidates who are looking for a place that values focus and follow-through. 

Flexibility remains important, of course. Some candidates may be traveling or unavailable for interviews, so offering virtual options or scheduling next steps for early January helps maintain progress without rushing decisions. By keeping communication open and consistent, you will be well-positioned to extend offers to top candidates before your competitors even start their search. 

Hiring during the holidays is not just possible, it is strategic. It is a time when reflection meets opportunity, when motivated job seekers are ready to take action, and when smart recruiters can build lasting connections. Instead of viewing November and December as downtime, see them as a head start. By staying active, keeping your pipeline warm, and planning ahead, you will set your team up for a successful and productive start to the new year.