Recruiters: 'Tis the Season!

Happy Holidays!

‘Tis the season, right?

I mean, with Thanksgiving now in our rear view mirror, and the food coma subsided, we are officially immersed in the holiday season - that time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. As for the food coma, mine seems to be extended since I cannot throw foor away and take it upon myself to consume leftovers upon leftovers in every re-purposed way possible…but I digress.

‘Tis the season.

It’s a short season.  5 weeks.  20 business days.  Of course, not all of those days will be work days since some time off will most likely be taken.

‘Tis the season. 

To be merry, jolly, giving, loving, nostalgic, spend time with family, friends, and loved ones…..

…and it’s also the season to strengthen personal and professional relationships.

‘Tis NOT the season to take your foot of the proverbial recruiting gas pedal.  The good news is most of your competition will do exactly that.  So you have an excellent opportunity to differentiate yourself from them.

So what are some things you should be doing during this season?

1.      Internally, within your own company, reach out to the people who help your business operate…take some time to thank them and talk about how you can work even better together next year.  Maybe share a cup of coffee or tea with them.

2.      Connect with your candidates regardless if you have something for them or not.  Send hand written notes to each one you have put to work this year or anyone who has given you a referral that you were able to put to work.  Touch base with candidates you have not been able to place and discuss their plans and goals for 2025.

3.      Connect with your clients and hiring managers.  By now they should have a pretty good idea as to what their hiring plans are for 2025.  Make sure you know them too and discuss challenges they might face and what you can do to make their job easier. 

4.      Get ready for 2025!  What are your personal goals?  What will you need to do differently to reach or exceed them?  Map it out now so that come January 1, you are ready to execute.

Many in the recruiting world will take this time to ease up on their work…to take their foot off the gas…and that is exactly why you should not.  I am not saying you should not enjoy the social aspects of the holiday season.  Quite the contrary.  I have always been a fan of balancing work and personal life.  It’s important.  But when you are at work, work.  Keep your focus.  Yes, it’s the end of a calendar year.  But in recruiting, as we all know, it’s another month...and after that, there will be another month.  The cycle doesn’t stop and therefore nor can we. 

Use this time wisely.  You owe it to your coworkers.  You owe it to your clients.  You owe it to your candidates.

But most of all, you owe it to yourself.

‘Tis the season!

John Ruffini is the Vice President of Professional Development for HealthTrust Workforce Solutions in Sunrise, Florida. He is a 30-year recruiting veteran, trainer, and motivator and is the author of the Amazon Best Sellers “Money Makers: Proven Ways to Increase Sales and Productivity in the World of Professional Recruiting”   and “A Quest for Alex.”