The Deep Dive #16 - Winter Recruitment Trends
By Luís Cajão
Hello and welcome to the 16th edition of The Deep Dive, our newsletter that focuses on the hottest topics in recruitment.
We take a deep dive into topics that matter to you, that affect you, and that can make you a better recruiter.
From winter slowdowns to January hiring surges, we uncover key trends and advice to help recruiters, employers, and job seekers navigate seasonal recruitment shifts.
Winter transforms the recruitment landscape, marked by the distinct phases of November's steady decline, December's lull, and January's rebound. These shifts bring both challenges and opportunities.
In this edition of The Deep Dive, we analyse data from the past three years to uncover actionable insights into the job types and industries most affected.
Overall Winter Trends
Winter brings a predictable yet impactful shift in recruitment activity, with clear trends shaping November, December, and January. This predictability allows for strategic planning and preparation.
November: A mild 11% decrease in job postings and a sharper 17% drop in applications signal the start of a seasonal slowdown. This is the time for recruiters to refine hiring plans and prepare for January's surge.
December: With job postings down by 53% and applications dropping by 45%, the recruitment market enters a lull. Recruiters can focus on strengthening their employer brand and building talent pipelines.
January: The rebound begins, with job postings increasing by 13%, though applications remain 6% below average. Recruiters should act swiftly by launching compelling job ads and reconnecting with passive candidates to maximise this renewed activity.
Trends by Job Type
Winter hiring patterns reveal opportunities and challenges across job types. Here's how recruiters and job seekers can navigate these shifts:
Contract and Permanent Jobs: The steady decline in these roles in November and December reflects budget freezes and end-of-year planning. Recruiters should nurture passive candidates and prepare pipelines, while job seekers can take advantage of January's recovery to explore new opportunities.
Seasonal Jobs: A 162% increase in November highlights the demand for short-term holiday support. Recruiters hiring for seasonal roles should act early, while job seekers should capitalise on this spike to secure temporary opportunities.
Temporary Jobs: Stability in this category provides consistent opportunities. Recruiters can use temporary hires to address short-term needs, and job seekers looking for flexibility can benefit from ongoing demand.
Placement Jobs: The 142% spike in January suggests a strong focus on immediate hiring needs. Recruiters should streamline recruitment processes to fill these roles quickly. Candidates need to act fast and come prepared to negotiate effectively.
Trends by Industry
Each industry faces unique challenges and opportunities over the winter months, underlining the importance of adapting recruitment strategies.
This includes:
📦 Retail, 🏗️ Construction, 🍴 Catering & Hospitality, 📞 Customer Services and 📚 Education
What recruiters should do in January to start the year strong
Planning ahead is essential to make the most of Winter recruitment trends, but here is an overview of our key suggestions:
Craft impactful job ads that highlight clients' unique selling points with clear, engaging, and tailored descriptions to attract the right talent efficiently.
Reconnect with passive candidates who may be open to new opportunities after the holiday break.
Leverage recruitment technology such as applicant tracking systems and job distribution platforms to streamline processes.
Respond quickly to January's hiring rebound by prioritising speed, personalisation, and an excellent candidate experience.
Winter brings its own set of challenges and opportunities in recruitment. By staying ahead of the trends and adjusting strategies accordingly, recruiters can navigate the season effectively and become stronger as you head into 2025.
Want to explore related topics? We recommend:
📊 November 2024 Recruitment Trends Snapshot
🎥 Winning new clients blueprint: market-driven strategy
🎧Talent Matters: How to optimise your recruitment tech stack
