We all know the drill: budgets reset in January, teams come back from the holidays, and suddenly it feels like the “right time” to start hiring. We’re going to be brutally honest here: waiting until January puts you behind before the year even begins.
By the time your job ad is live, interviews are booked, and contracts are signed, you’re already looking at March or April before someone’s properly onboarded. That’s half your year gone. Can your team really afford that kind of delay? If you’re asking when to hire – now is always a good time.
Talent Doesn’t Wait for Your Calendar
Here’s the truth: candidates are already looking in September and October. The summer’s over, people are restless, and many are eyeing a fresh start. If you’re not advertising roles now, someone else is… and they’ll be the ones who catch those motivated applicants.
January Is a Traffic Jam
January is a traffic jam in more ways than one. Sure, January is busy on job boards, but busy doesn’t always mean better. It means your job ad is one of hundreds, maybe thousands, fighting for attention. The truth is your job listing won’t stand out in that pile. Recruiting before the rush means you’re speaking to candidates when there’s less noise and more focus.
Stop Starting the Year on the Back Foot
If you need someone in Q1, waiting until January is too late. You’ll be short-staffed while competitors already have their hires in place. Hiring now means new team members are ready to go when the year kicks off… and not still waiting for IT to set up their logins in March.
Onboarding Without the Chaos
Think about it. Onboarding in October or November is calmer. Fewer distractions, less competition for attention, and a chance for new hires to actually learn the ropes before the pace picks up. You’re setting them (and yourself) up for success.
The Right Time to Start Hiring
Great hiring isn’t just about filling a vacancy. More often than not, it’s about good timing. Waiting for January means you’re just playing catch-up. The right time to start hiring? Get ahead now, while the best talent is looking and the competition is still asleep at the wheel.
Share this article with a friend or colleague.
Ready to post a job? See here for more info.