Is December a good time to advertise a job?

Short answer: YES!

You are not alone if you think that the festive season is best left to planning next year’s recruitment, rather than actively hiring. But most industry professionals will tell you that this is exactly why you should be using this potential slowdown to your advantage.

Below are 5 reasons why you should advertise jobs in December, with tips on how to make sure you get ahead of your competition and make the most of your recruitment strategy over the forthcoming weeks.

1. Stand out in a crowded market

Because lots of other businesses think that it’s not worth advertising at this time of year, there is a reduction in the number of adverts posted (usually about 25%-30%).

However, the number of applications remains high. As a result, those companies who do advertise jobs have a greater opportunity to get their roles seen by more people.

The pool of candidates is deeper than ever this year. Flat Fee Recruiter’s Average Application Rate (AAV) is currently running at an incredible 124 applicants per role. This is a stunning increase; more than double this season’s average the previous five years.

With many larger companies opting to postpone recruitment until the new year, by advertising now you stand a high chance of getting your pick of the best candidates.

2. Target and engage with passive job seekers

As the Christmas frivolities start, job seekers have a little bit more time on their hands. Many are starting to think about new year / new career and previously passive candidates will be weighing up their options. The figures show that search competition for jobs is still high in December.

Candidates will also have more time to attend interviews or even take some time out for trial work days. You could even get them involved in your Christmas culture and show off your organisation at it’s best. Engage, Engage, Engage!

3. Make your budget go further

Many recruitment advertising companies will offer great deals in December, including Flat Fee Recruiter! If you have some budget to use up before the end of the year, why not make it go further and negotiate yourself some great deals. If you are also running PPC (Pay Per Click) advertising campaigns with Flat Fee Recruiter on sites like Indeed, LinkedIn or Facebook, you may also find that when you advertise jobs in December competition for the keyword terms is cheaper, too. Win-Win!

Source: Flat Fee Recruiter stats October 2023

4. Get ahead on next year

The overall hiring process often takes longer than you think. If you have vacancies to fill for January, starting now could ensure that you have quality staff members starting at the beginning of the next quarter rather than mid-way through – helping you reduce the pressure on your team in the new year.

5. Use your time wisely and get organised

If business slows down around Christmas, now is a great time to do all those jobs you have been putting off! Good hiring practices include sourcing for candidates, networking with talent, taking time out to review your talent pools, sourcing new advertising channels and spending a few extra minutes qualifying good candidates who respond to your adverts.

Of course, Flat Fee Recruiter who can do this for you! Recruitment is all about the right time – right place. If you know you have positions to fill next year, our advice is not to wait, but get cracking now.

When you advertise jobs in December, you ensure that you stand head and shoulders above your competition, attract the best talent and use time wisely. What are you waiting for? Post your job today!