This is absolutely one of my favorite hiring topics! Most people I talk with are pretty skeptical about bringing someone on board during the holidays, but the upside of hiring (or at least interviewing) at the end of the year can be huge.

While it might seem counterintuitive, this time of year presents unique opportunities for both employers and prospective employees. Here’s why leaning into hiring during the holiday season can set your company up for success in the new year.

1. Plant a Seed for the New Year

As the new year approaches, people naturally start evaluating their lives—both personally and professionally. They’re thinking about what’s working, what’s not, and where they want to go next. This is the perfect time to introduce your company to prospective employees. Even if they don’t make an immediate move, planting the seed now can put you on their radar when they’re ready to take the leap in the coming months.

2. Year-End Evaluations Go Both Ways

Many employees are going through annual reviews at this time, and while they’re receiving feedback from their employers, they’re also reflecting on their own career goals. Is their current role aligning with their vision for the future? If not, they’re open to new opportunities. By actively hiring during this window, you position your company as the solution they’re searching for.

3. Flexibility in Schedules

For sales professionals and others with quotas, the end of the year often comes with greater scheduling flexibility. Deals are closed, targets are hit (or reset), and there’s a little breathing room in their calendars. This extra time makes it easier for candidates to accommodate interviews without juggling the usual daily demands, giving you an edge in connecting with top talent.

4. Starting Fresh After the Holidays

The holidays are a time for connection and recharging. Many professionals are spending extra time with family and friends, refueling their energy for the year ahead. When they’re ready to start a new role, they’ll be entering with enthusiasm and focus—ready to hit the ground running.

5. Leverage End-of-Year Budgets

If you have leftover budget dollars, this is the perfect time to use them strategically. A signing bonus or a thoughtful welcome gift can go a long way in attracting top-tier candidates. These small but impactful gestures demonstrate your company’s commitment to investing in its people.

6. A Warm Cultural Introduction

Bringing new team members on board at the end of the year offers a unique opportunity to immerse them in your company culture right away. Holiday celebrations, team lunches, and year-end activities help new hires feel connected and welcomed. This early engagement fosters loyalty and sets the tone for a strong start.

Make This Holiday Season Count

The holidays aren’t just a time for giving—they’re a time for growing. By strategically focusing on interviewing and hiring now, your company can gain a head start in securing top talent. Whether it’s planting seeds for the future or bringing on a new team member who’s ready to dive in, the holiday season is full of opportunities to set your business up for a bright new year.

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Betsy Lee is the Director of Marketing for GRS Recruiting. She has over 12 years of experience working directly in the recruitment industry, developing marketing strategies that attract top talent and equipping recruiters with the tools and training they need to succeed. A small-business advocate, she loves helping companies grow and take their teams to the next level. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyroselee/

Betsy writes about #recruiting #sales #industrialsales #executiverecruitment #smallbusiness

 #professionalgrowth #highperformanceteams and more.