As Christmas draws closer, firms might be thinking about winding down. And we get it.
However, savvy recruiters like us know that this is the perfect time to ramp things up and prepare for one of the busiest periods of the year…
January.
For job seekers, the new year is a fresh start. For firms, it’s an opportunity to onboard new talent before tax season heats up. In fact, we’d go as far as to say that holiday hiring is your firm’s secret weapon!
Here at Public Practice Recruitment Ltd, we see the post-holiday hiring surge every single year. January opens the door to new beginnings that go beyond gym memberships and resolutions.
Many accountants take the holidays as a time for reflection and to think about how happy they really are in their role. Come January, a lot of them are ready to explore their options or move on from their current firm completely.
So, how can accountancy firms make sure they’re not just in the running for top talent, but leading the pack?
Here’s where the secret lies…
You just need to get ahead of the curve. And here’s how to do it!
Why January is prime time for job seekers
The start of the year is often the moment people feel most motivated. After taking a break, they’re refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges. This includes evaluating their current job situation.
For many accountants, the end of the year brings clarity—whether it’s dissatisfaction with their role, a lack of progression, or a desire for a better work-life balance. They’ve taken stock of where they are and where they want to be, and often, the answer involves a change of scenery.
But it’s not just a change in attitude.
Many employees hold out for their year-end bonuses before deciding to switch jobs. Once that bonus lands in their bank account, they feel financially secure enough to explore new opportunities. This timing creates a perfect storm of motivated, skilled workers flooding the job market right as the calendar flips to January.
For firms, January is like open season. But if you recruitment strategy doesn’t accommodate seasonal shifts, you could miss out on this influx of talent.
Get ahead in November and December
Wonder why some firms thrive in January and others don’t?
There’s a common theme.
The ones that do well are the ones that don’t wait until the new year to act.
Whilst everyone’s sipping hot chocolate and cracking open the Celebrations, you can be positioning yourself as front-of-mind for candidates during the surge.
Here are some strategies to ensure your firm is at the front of the queue when top talent starts looking:
Revamp your employer brand
Before you put your ‘Out of Office’ on, take a few moments to look at your website and social media and put yourself in the shoes of a candidate.
Does your firm offer a workplace that stands out? Are you communicating your company’s values effectively? Would you want to work here if you didn’t already?
Building a strong online presence is one of the most effective ways to attract attention. Candidates are no longer just looking for competitive salaries; they’re interested in work-life balance, growth opportunities, and supportive environments. Make sure your LinkedIn, company website, and job postings reflect that.
Share success stories, behind-the-scenes looks at your team, or testimonials from happy employees. Position yourself as an appealing employer online and see the applications flood in!
Build a talent pipeline now
Don’t wait until January to begin your search for new hires.
By partnering with a specialist recruiter, you can start identifying high-potential candidates during the holiday season.
If you anticipate roles opening up or know that tax season will require extra hands, now is the time to tap into the talent pool. A skilled recruiter can help you connect with the right candidates early, ensuring a steady stream of high-quality professionals who are primed and ready to join your team when January arrives.
Specialist recruiters leverage platforms like LinkedIn to engage top talent on your behalf. They keep the conversation warm, casual, and engaging, showcasing your firm as active and forward-thinking.
By working with a recruiter, you’ll have a strong pipeline in place, making sure you’re front and centre when candidates are ready to make their next career move.
It’s a win-win!
Streamline your hiring process
Who wants to spend the most wonderful time of the year constantly checking their emails and waiting for a follow-up?
There’s nothing more frustrating for a job seeker than a slow, complicated hiring process. And by the time you’ve made an offer, they’ve probably accepted a position elsewhere because you were too slow.
Use this pocket of time to really review your recruitment process. How can it be faster and more efficient? Ensure that your interview process is as straightforward as possible, with clear timelines and strong communication.
Speed matters in January. Candidates are often weighing multiple offers, so the quicker you can make decisions and get back to them, the better chance you’ll have of securing top talent.
A well-oiled recruitment process is key to staying competitive.
Give candidates what they want
We’ve all heard the saying, “scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours”. It’s a motto the shapes the relationship between candidates and hiring managers.
Because when it comes to building a successful business, it’s as simple as this…
Give your staff what they want and they’ll stay committed.
We’ve noticed a trend recently of some firms having high expectations but offering low compensation. This disconnect is causing candidates to avoid some firms completely and focus their job seeking efforts elsewhere.
Candidates are looking for a package that reflects their priorities, from work-life balance to professional development opportunities and company culture. Health and wellness programs, generous leave policies, and a positive, inclusive culture are other key factors that set a firm apart in the eyes of top talent.
But how can you be sure your offer meets—or better yet, exceeds—these expectations?
That’s where expert advice from a specialist recruiter like us here at Public Practice Recruitment Ltd makes all the difference!
Need help securing top talent in time for January? Want to tap into the best pool of candidates within public practice?
Don’t wait until January to start thinking about recruitment. Contact our team today, and let’s prepare your firm to attract the talent you need to thrive in 2024.
We’ll help you stay ahead of the curve and secure the staff you need before the competition even starts thinking about their hiring strategies.
Reach out to us today and ensure that your firm is ready to meet the demands of the new year with a strong, capable team.
