3 Hiring Mistakes to Avoid During the Holiday Season
- Lauren Watkins
- Mar 24
- 2 min read
As the end of the year approaches, many companies are planning for growth in the new year. However, the hiring process during this period often comes with its own set of challenges. Here are three common mistakes that I see CIOs, CTOs, & CISOs making.
1️⃣ Underestimating the Timeline
Hiring the right person takes time—more than most anticipate. From initiating the search to interviewing, to offering and onboarding the candidate, there are multiple steps to navigate.
Typically notice periods for senior talent is 3 months. If you're aiming to have someone start in Q1, the time to act is now.
The holiday season can add delays due to reduced availability of both candidates and interviewers, so getting ahead of the curve is critical. Start early, or risk missing out on your ideal timeline.
2️⃣ Lack of a Clear Interview Structure
This time of year is notorious for scheduling challenges. With key stakeholders likely to be out on holiday, it's easy for the process to lose momentum. But delays can frustrate candidates and even cause you to lose top talent to competitors.
To avoid this, create a structured interview plan with clearly designated time slots for all decision-makers. This not only ensures a seamless experience for candidates but also signals your commitment and organisation as an employer.
3️⃣ Waiting Until the New Year to Start Hiring
It’s tempting to put hiring on hold until January, but this could be a missed opportunity. As the year winds down, many professionals begin reflecting on their career goals for the year ahead and exploring new opportunities. Engaging with candidates now positions you to capture this wave of interest and secure top-tier talent before your competitors even start their search.
Why Now is the Best Time to Start
The holiday season offers a unique advantage: a quieter hiring market. Fewer active job postings mean less competition for the attention of high-caliber professionals. Starting your search now not only gives you a head start but also ensures you're ready to hit the ground running in the new year with a stellar team in place.
If you're looking for guidance on how to streamline your hiring process or secure exceptional tech leaders for your team, let’s connect!
Lauren Watkins
Issue #12
If you would like to discuss attracting top performing Cyber & Technology Executives, Professionals or Teams, please do reach out to us at LHW Partners or book a call in here: https://calendly.com/lauren-lhwpartners
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