The Holiday Rush: A Talent Goldmine for Small and Medium Businesses
- Paul Mitchell
- Oct 31
- 2 min read
As the leaves change, or the palm fronds drop in Arizona & Florida, and the air gets crisp, most of the corporate world begins to slow down, often hitting the pause button on major recruitment drives. For Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs), however, this time of year—the holiday season—presents a golden, often overlooked, opportunity to find incredible talent.
While large corporations might be winding down their annual budgets, SMBs can use this lull to their strategic advantage. Here’s why your small or medium company should be actively looking for talent during the holiday rush:
1. Less Competition, More Focus
On top of the large company lay offs announced this past month, many larger companies historically reduce their hiring pace in November and December, leading to less competition for top candidates. Savvy job seekers who are reflecting on their year and looking for a change often become more active online and on social media when their day-to-day workload lightens. This means your targeted outreach to passive candidates can yield better results!
2. The Seasonal Talent Pipeline
Seasonal hiring isn't just about surviving the peak shopping rush; it’s a strategic talent scouting mission. A temporary holiday role in customer service, logistics, or sales is the perfect extended interview. You get to see a candidate’s work ethic, adaptability, and cultural fit in a high-pressure environment without the commitment of a full-time hire upfront. For the candidate who excels, offering a permanent role in the New Year is a fantastic retention incentive.
3. Your Superpower: Flexibility
SMBs often can't compete with the salary budgets of the giants, but they can compete on flexibility. Many workers today prioritize work-life balance, which becomes even more important during the busy holiday season with family obligations. Your ability to offer flexible hours, hybrid work options, or a more personalized work environment—things large companies struggle to implement quickly—can be your biggest draw for securing skilled professionals looking to escape rigid corporate structures.
Making Your Holiday Hiring Strategy Work
To win this talent pool, SMBs must act with speed and clarity:
Start Early: Post job ads as early as September or October to get ahead of the curve.
Be Crystal Clear: Detail responsibilities, expected holiday hours, and—crucially—mention any potential for a full-time role afterward.
Streamline Everything: Candidates during this time have less patience for slow processes. Keep interviews prompt, and consider making on-the-spot offers for standout seasonal workers.
The holiday season is the perfect time for SMBs to be agile, stand out, and secure the dedicated talent that will power their success well into the New Year.
If your behind on your talent acquistion and want to get ahead of your competition for the best talent, contact Paul at PMG Executive Search & Recruiting today!
888-657-6202
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