December strategies to prep for a successful January

The festive season is here—complete with twinkling lights, mulled wine, and those all-too-familiar end-of-year reflections. But for IT and tech recruiters, December doesn’t have to mean winding down. Instead, it’s a golden opportunity to get ahead and ensure a strong start in January.

While some industries slow down, the tech job market remains active, and savvy recruiters can use this time to their advantage. Here’s how to make the most of December and step into the new year ready to hit your hiring goals.

1. Review the year’s wins and challenges

Before you dive into the next year, take a step back and assess how this year went.

• Which sourcing channels brought in the best candidates?
• Did specific job boards perform better than others?
• Were there consistent delays or drop-offs in the hiring process?

For example, if your data shows a high volume of applications but a low conversion rate to interviews, it might be time to refine your screening process or update job descriptions. Reflecting on these insights now allows you to go into January with a clear strategy.

2. Refresh job descriptions and employer branding

The holiday season is a time when many professionals evaluate their careers and explore new opportunities. Make sure your job postings and employer brand are ready to attract them.

• Polish your job ads: Use clear, engaging language, and include keywords like “remote-friendly” or “career growth opportunities.”
• Highlight your unique perks: Flexible work arrangements, cutting-edge projects, or professional development options can make your roles stand out.
• Update your digital presence: Refresh your careers page and social media profiles with appealing content, and ensure everything is mobile-friendly, as over 60% of UK job searches now happen on smartphones.

3. Reconnect with passive candidates

December is a great time to nurture relationships with candidates you’ve engaged with in the past but who didn’t move forward at the time.

• Send a friendly holiday message or an update about industry trends.
• Share valuable content like certifications, skills guides, or career advice relevant to their field.
• Mention upcoming roles they might be interested in for the new year.

These small gestures keep you top-of-mind and could bring those candidates back into your pipeline in January.

4. Plan your January recruitment calendar

Start the new year with a clear plan. December is ideal for organising your recruitment calendar so you can hit the ground running.

• Map out client priorities: Work with hiring managers to identify key roles to focus on in Q1.
• Schedule interviews now: Lock in dates for early January to maintain candidate interest during the holiday lull.
• Identify high-demand roles: Think software engineers, data scientists, or cybersecurity specialists, and align your sourcing efforts accordingly.

This proactive approach will help you avoid January bottlenecks.

5. Engage candidates while they’re active

The festive season isn’t just about downtime. Many professionals use this period to reassess their careers, making it an excellent time to connect with talent.

• Launch a holiday-themed recruitment campaign to stand out.
• Promote your open roles on platforms where tech talent spends their time, such as LinkedIn, GitHub, or Reddit communities.
• Run email campaigns targeting candidates in your database, emphasizing that January hiring decisions are already underway.

With the right messaging, you can engage active job seekers and even catch the attention of passive ones.

6. Upskill yourself and your team

A slower December workload is the perfect opportunity to sharpen your recruiting tools.

• Take a quick course on emerging trends like AI hiring or sourcing tools.
• Research in-demand roles like AI specialists, blockchain developers, or data engineers to stay ahead of client needs.
• Host an internal meeting to share knowledge and align strategies for the new year.

Investing in your own professional growth now can pay off in stronger performance later.

7. Set tangible goals for Q1

What do you want to achieve in January?

• Increase the number of qualified candidates in your pipeline?
• Reduce time-to-hire for niche IT roles?
• Establish stronger partnerships with tech-focused clients?

Set clear, measurable goals, and break them into actionable steps. For example, if your goal is to grow your candidate pool, you might focus on launching targeted sourcing campaigns or building relationships with niche talent communities.

Why December matters for UK recruiters

The UK job market is competitive, especially in the IT and tech sectors. Roles like software development, cybersecurity, and data science remain in high demand, and top candidates are often off the market within 10 days of starting their search.

This makes December a critical time to differentiate yourself from competitors. While others slow down, you can use this period to build momentum and stand out to candidates who are actively searching—or preparing to jump into the market in January.

End the year strong

December doesn’t have to be a lull in recruitment. By reflecting on your successes, refining your strategies, and taking proactive steps, you can turn December into a springboard for success in the new year.

So, while the festive tunes play and the mince pies make the rounds, take the time to invest in your strategy. Come January, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running—and ahead of the competition.