Ho Ho, Ho–ld Up!

While everyone’s busy untangling Christmas lights and hunting down the perfect Secret Santa gifts, let’s unwrap something even better—your game-changing holiday recruitment strategy!

1. Catch those almost-graduates

Remember when you were in college, and the holidays meant binge-watching shows and demolishing mom’s cookies? 

Well, guess what—that’s exactly what today’s soon-to-be graduates are doing right now!

But here’s the genius part: While other recruiters are sipping hot chocolate and ghosting their emails, you can be the excellent recruiter sliding into students’ DMs with unique opportunities. 

These potential candidates are stress-free (finals are over, phew!) and ready to think about their future (between Netflix episodes). 

Pro tip: Host virtual coffee chats or casual “Future Forward” sessions. Nothing says “we’re different,” like offering career advice over hot chocolate!

2. Spread holiday cheer like a recruiting reindeer 

‘Tis the season to be jolly… and strategic! Think of holiday networking as less like awkward small talk and more like building your professional network. 

Gone are the days of generic messages that screamed, “I copied and pasted this!” 

Instead, imagine crafting those heartfelt LinkedIn Inmails and holiday notes that make people smile at their screens.

While everyone’s feeling the holiday spirit, take a moment to share your wins and gratitude. 

And here’s the cherry on top of your holiday networking sundae: organize a virtual holiday mixer that brings together your star candidates and dream clients. 

But wait, the holiday season isn’t just about celebration—it’s also a time to reflect on how we approach recruitment.

Here’s a quick checklist to ensure your recruitment practices land you on the “Nice” list this Christmas!

ideal christmas checklist for recruiters

3. Fill the halls with… hiring managers 

While the office is quieter than a mouse (literally—everyone’s on WFH mode), grab this golden opportunity to really connect with your hiring managers. Schedule those “coffee” sessions to:

  • Review this year’s hits and misses
  • Blueprint your Q1 hiring strategy
  • Understanding their holiday season pain points
  • Plan those January job descriptions (because January = Hiring Tsunami!)

4. Conduct recruitment tech stack audit 

Most recruiters are so caught up in their daily hustle that their tech stack often becomes an afterthought. 

If your ATS feels like it’s from the same era as dial-up internet, it’s time for a fresh perspective. 

Start by taking a good look at your daily workflow. Modern recruitment tools can handle them while you focus on building relationships with candidates and clients. 

Speaking of AI, it’s no longer just a buzzword—it’s your potential secret weapon for 2024. 

From intelligent candidate matching to automated engagement workflows, the right tech stack can transform your recruiting game from a manual marathon to a strategic sprint. 

5. Recharge and rewind 

Here’s the real talk: You can’t pour from an empty cup, even if it’s filled with holiday punch! 

Before you dive into January’s hiring:

  • Use that PTO (No, checking emails doesn’t count as vacation!)
  • Try some recruiter self-care (LinkedIn notifications OFF)
  • Set realistic January goals (New Year, Realistic You)
  • Create your personal hype playlist for 2024

Remember: Even Santa takes a break after December 25th!

Bonus tip: Create a “Future Me” letter with all your brilliant ideas for 2024. 

Trust us, January-You will thank December-You!