Avoiding the January Hiring Hangover: Why Recruiting Starts Now
- Ariana Attigliato
- Dec 18
- 2 min read
Many businesses wait until January to hire new employees, but this approach often leads to what we call the “January hiring hangover”: a flood of applications, rushed decisions, and candidates lost to faster-moving competitors.
Why December Recruiting Works
Starting your hiring process now gives you a competitive edge. Benefits include:
Engaging passive candidates before they become unavailable.
Planning your hiring budget and resources while the year is still open.
Ensuring smooth onboarding in Q1 without last-minute stress.
Planning Your Recruiting Strategy
To avoid the January rush:
Define success for the role — Beyond job descriptions, clarify what success looks like in six months.
Build a candidate pipeline — Reach out to potential hires early; networking and referrals are powerful tools.
Prepare your interview process — Structured interviews reduce bias and help select candidates who fit both skills and culture.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Businesses often hire too quickly because of perceived urgency, but rushing can lead to poor cultural fit, turnover, and wasted resources. Taking the time to plan and execute recruiting now prevents these mistakes.
Proactive HR Planning
Recruiting isn’t just about filling a seat — it’s about building a team that contributes to long-term growth. December is the perfect time to reflect on gaps, evaluate previous hires, and set goals for 2026.
Actionable Tip: Start drafting job postings, reviewing your hiring budget, and reaching out to top candidates before the holiday lull. By January, you’ll be ready to hire with confidence.
👉 Ready to make 2026 your strongest hiring year yet? Let’s talk about building a recruiting pipeline now.
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Lynn HR Consulting is a female-owned and operated business that provides a wide variety of Human Resources and Payroll services at an affordable cost. We focus on helping small to midsize businesses thrive by creating great workplaces while also providing strategic projects and filling interim roles for larger corporations. Contact us today to learn how we can support your organization’s growth and success.
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