Why September is a good time to recruit (and how to do it smart)
September feels like a kind of mini-New Year for many people. After a pleasant summer, batteries are fully recharged and people are looking at their personal and professional projects with fresh eyes. This is good news for employers: early autumn is the ideal time to attract new talent.
More candidates on the market
Summer brings rest and relaxation. Escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and many professionals reflect on their careers. Do I want to keep doing this job for years to come? Or is it time for a new challenge? VDAB figures show that an impressive number of people change jobs in September. Young graduates are also eager to take their first steps on the job market. The result? A greater supply of motivated candidates. And you, as an employer, reap the rewards.
New projects, new talent
As candidates shift into high gear after the summer, companies are also realizing that the final months of the year are the last chance to achieve their strategic objectives. Many companies revise their budgets and plans in September. New projects are launched and, given the year-end pressure, the need for additional staff increases. September is the ideal time to step up a gear and attract new talent.
How to make the most of this momentum :
Get ready for the summer
Take advantage of the quieter summer months to fine-tune your business strategy. Which processes can be made more efficient? Where are the opportunities for growth? And also: who do you need to bring new projects to fruition? Don’t wait too long before looking for new talent. If an employee decides to leave the company unexpectedly, or if other challenges arise, the workload can increase rapidly. Anticipate this so that you can hit the ground running in September.
Optimizing recruitment
Candidates give up when the recruitment process drags on. It’s normal for the pace to be a little slower in summer. But it’s best not to keep the best candidates waiting unnecessarily. Ensure short deadlines, clear communication and effective follow-up. Summer is also the ideal time to refresh your recruitment methods. For example, think about how you can include generic skills in your selection in addition to theoretical knowledge and experience. Or experiment with new communication channels to get the word out about your vacancy.
Quality onboarding
New employees starting in September still have a few months to familiarize themselves with the company before the end-of-year stress. Make sure they are warmly welcomed and well looked after, so that they feel welcome from day one. Take the time to explain things to them and calmly answer any questions they may have. During the September rush, expectations and ambitions are often higher. Good onboarding makes all the difference and prevents new colleagues from feeling immediately overwhelmed.
Text: Lynn Guillaume
