Recruiting top talent is a critical aspect of any organisation's success. However, it's not just about finding the right candidates; it's also about finding them at the right time. Timing plays a pivotal role in the recruitment process. In this blog, we will explore the best and worst times to recruit talent, helping you make informed decisions that can positively impact your organisation.

When are the best times to recruit talent?
 

The Beginning of the Year: January and February

The start of a new year often marks a fresh beginning for job seekers. Many people make career-related resolutions and actively seek new opportunities. Companies can capitalise on this by posting job openings and conducting interviews during January and February.

Post-Summer Months: September and October

After the summer vacation season, job seekers tend to refocus on their careers. They might be more open to exploring new job opportunities and making career changes. These months can be ideal for recruiting top talent.

Midweek and Mid-Month

Research suggests that the middle of the week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) and the middle of the month are the most effective times for posting job openings. During these periods, candidates are more likely to be actively browsing job boards and responding to postings.

Before Peak Hiring Seasons

For industries with peak hiring seasons, such as retail before the holiday season or education before the start of the school year, recruiting a few months in advance can help secure the best candidates before they are snapped up by competitors.

When You Have a Strong Employer Brand

If your organisation has invested in building a robust employer brand and a positive reputation, you may have the flexibility to recruit top talent year-round. Candidates are more likely to consider your company as a desirable place to work, regardless of the timing.

When are the worst times to recruit talent?

Christmas and New Year 

The approach to the Christmas season, typically from late November to early January, is often the worst time to recruit or a time when opportunities are very limited. People are preoccupied with festivities, vacations, and spending time with family. Your job postings may go unnoticed during this period. However, as mentioned previously, this will likely pick up 
in the New Year. 

Summer Months: June, July, and August

From an employer’s or recruiter’s perspective, similar to the holiday season, the summer months can be challenging for recruiting. Many candidates take vacations, and decision-makers may be out of the office, leading to delayed responses and longer recruitment cycles. However, the summer month does give candidates a chance to find opportunities, due to the lack of talent that may be applying for roles. 

End of the Month and End of the Week

Avoid posting job openings at the end of the month or the end of the week (Friday). Candidates may be busy wrapping up projects or winding down for the weekend, reducing their responsiveness to job postings.

When Key Decision-Makers Are Unavailable

It's crucial to align your recruitment efforts with the availability of key decision-makers within your organisation. Recruiting during periods when they are out of the office can lead to delays and missed opportunities.

During Economic Uncertainty

In times of economic instability or recession, many candidates become cautious about changing jobs. Companies may also freeze hiring. It's advisable to strategise your recruitment efforts during such periods.

Conclusion

Timing is a crucial factor in the success of your recruitment efforts. By understanding the best and worst times to recruit talent, you can optimise your hiring process and increase your chances of attracting top candidates. Remember that a well-planned recruitment strategy, combined with a strong employer brand, can help you navigate the challenges of timing and secure the talent your organisation needs to thrive.