It’s finally here, the office party has been enjoyed (probably weeks ago) and we’re sorting out bits in the last few working days before 2024. If you’ve got the whole thing off, lucky you, but if you haven’t then you need to view ‘inbetweenmas’ as a fantastic opportunity to make life easier in January.
Here are five quick actions you can do on those weird, quieter days between Christmas and New Year rather than scrolling on your phone and waiting for 5pm!
Look at your 2023 stats
Before diving headfirst into the challenges of the upcoming year, take some time to reflect on the past year’s successes and shortcomings. Review the strategies and tactics that worked well in sourcing, interviewing, and placing candidates, as well as those that didn’t yield the desired results. This reflective exercise can provide valuable insights and help you refine your approach for the year ahead.
Consider the following questions as you reflect on the past year:
- Which sourcing channels were the most effective in attracting high-quality candidates?
- What were the common pain points in the recruitment process, and how can they be addressed?
- Were there any notable trends in the job market that should inform your future recruitment efforts?
If you can access performance or channel data, have a browse, and you may just find the pattern or formula that will be at the heart of January’s strategy.
Get your job adverts in order
With the office potentially a little emptier, or some work from home days booked in, use time free from emails and distractions not just to get your job adverts written, but also to really question their effectiveness. Review the current template or formula and ask yourself if the advert still speaks to your intended audience and isn’t packed with filler or irrelevant information. Remember job ads need to be snappy, interesting and ultimately compel someone to spend their time on an application.
Send a marketing email to share the ‘inbetweenmas’ opportunity
If you’re spending the quieter days doing admin and light duties, then guess what? So are your prospects, applicants or candidates. Let them know you’re still online and highlight that the next few days are a great opportunity to get ahead and book in some interviews, or discuss 2024’s requirements. This works perfectly for recruitment consultants and in-house recruiters.
Plan a recruitment calendar
A well-structured recruitment calendar can make a significant difference in managing your workload effectively. Take some time during the Christmas break to plan your recruitment activities for January and the coming year. Begin by identifying the key hiring seasons and peak periods for your industry, as this will help you anticipate when you’re likely to be busiest.
Once you have a general overview of your recruitment calendar, break it down into more granular tasks. Create a timeline for posting job openings, conducting interviews, and finalizing candidate placements. Allocate specific time slots for sourcing candidates, screening resumes, and conducting reference checks. Having a well-organised plan in place will reduce the chances of feeling overwhelmed when recruitment activities pick up in January.
Look for cost-saving opportunities in January
If you’ve already worked out your 2024 budget, then why not look for ways to make it go a little further? One easy way is to review your advertising spend or job board credits. Look at what you used in 2023, and whether you had to re-buy, or if you have credits leftover. Being more consistent with your spend forecast will ensure you aren’t wasting money on unused media, or having to pay a premium to buy more credits when it’s too late to negotiate.
Remember Artfully can take this job away from you, without you having to spend anything extra!
Even if you are working over the festive, remember to take some time for yourself and recharge your batteries ahead of 2024. From the whole team at Artfully, we wish you all the best!
