The holiday season: for many people a time of relaxation, family, and a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. For recruiters? Often a chance to catch their breath and plan for the new year. But what if this time is the secret to reaching top talent while others hit pause? What if the quietest time of the year could make the loudest impact in recruiting?
While many companies lean back and wait until January to reignite their hiring efforts, countless candidates are reflecting on their professional future, setting goals, and making plans. During this period, job boards are anything but deserted. On the contrary – they become stages for new opportunities and platforms for change. This is where you can gain a crucial advantage.
In a market where 60% of candidates abandon applications due to overly complex processes, and 47% of companies struggle to fill positions due to a lack of qualified talent, every edge matters. Discover why it’s worth posting your job openings now – before and during the holidays.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Reach Top Talent
- Candidates Are More Open to Change During the Holidays
Studies show that career changes are high on the list of New Year’s resolutions – especially for younger professionals. A recent 2023 survey revealed that 35% of 18- to 24-year-olds plan to make a career move in the new year. Interest also rises among other age groups: around 27% of all employees seriously consider changing jobs or seeking new challenges during the holiday season.
This “New Year’s motivation” is further fueled by a growing desire for meaningful work. According to Gallup’s 2024 Engagement Index, 60% of employees say they would leave their current role if they found a more fulfilling alternative.
Why the holidays, specifically? Research shows that candidates are more likely to visit career sites and job boards during this quiet time. In a LinkedIn survey, 48% of candidates said they reflect on their career goals and explore new opportunities during the holidays. Even more compelling: job portal traffic increases by up to 45% during this time as candidates take the opportunity to research at their leisure, away from work distractions. For employers, this is a rare chance to connect with talent in a moment of openness. - Less Competition in the Talent Market
The holiday season is typically a time when many companies scale back their recruiting efforts. Budgets are exhausted, HR departments focus on the upcoming year, and open roles are often left to be filled in January. This “winter lull” in recruiting creates a unique opportunity for companies actively seeking talent. Instead of being lost in the usual flood of job postings, your ad can stand out and capture the attention of candidates ready for a change.
Current labor market data supports this trend: while the fourth quarter usually sees fewer job postings, the job market traditionally experiences a surge in January. Statistics show that job postings often increase by up to 35% in the first quarter when new budgets are released, and hiring plans are executed. In comparison, the number of new job postings decreases by up to 20% in the last two weeks of the year. For companies leveraging this “quiet moment,” it means less competition for candidates’ attention and a higher chance of securing qualified talent without the usual scramble. - Preparing for a Smoother Hiring Process
53% of HR leaders report that their hiring processes are too slow, and 73% of candidates abandon applications if they take longer than 15 minutes. In a landscape where top talent must be secured quickly, every minute counts.
With VONQ’s Direct Apply feature, this process becomes even more seamless. This innovative functionality allows candidates to apply directly to your job postings without leaving the job board – a clear advantage in reducing drop-offs and improving applicant quality. This shortens the time-to-apply significantly and makes it easier for candidates to engage, resulting in higher conversion rates and faster position fulfillment. - Employer Branding: Leverage the Holiday Season to Boost Your Brand Visibility
A strong employer brand is an essential asset today – and the holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to amplify its impact. Studies show that 86% of employees are willing to change employers for a strong, attractive company culture. Employer branding is no longer just a “nice-to-have”; it’s a strategic tool for attracting and retaining talent.
During the quiet holiday period, when many candidates spend their free time on social media, you can effectively showcase your employer brand. Data indicates that 52% of job seekers begin their search for open roles on their smartphones – a clear sign that mobile-optimized, authentic content provides an opportunity to reach the right talent where they are most active.
The holiday season allows you to capture the interest of potential candidates with authentic messages and insights into your company culture that might otherwise go unnoticed. Present your company on platforms where talent seeks relaxation and inspiration. This builds valuable connections and positions you as an employer of choice – especially during a time when many companies are in “hibernation.”
Conclusion: Engage Talent Before Everyone Else Does – Seize Your Opportunity Now
The holiday season offers the perfect opportunity to strategically boost your recruiting efforts and gain a competitive edge in the talent market. While many companies pause their activities, you can attract motivated talent through targeted outreach and strong employer branding – well ahead of the January rush.
With VONQ by your side, you have the right tools to execute your recruiting strategy effectively. Our data-driven and automated solutions enable you to post job ads on over 5,000 channels, efficiently engage qualified candidates, and optimize your budget.
Seize the opportunity before others do.
Plan your recruiting now with VONQ – and start 2025 with top talent. Schedule a meeting with our experts today.
