Recruitment is a seasonal Sport - don't waste January

​The old year is done and the new one just begun. You're relaxed and focussed after the holidays and raring to go with your strategic plan for the year. But, day one back at your desk and... so many priorities! Here's why recruitment should be at the top of the list.

Whatever plans you have to grow your team there is really no time to waste. Do the math - on average it takes about 4 to 8 weeks to hire, so if you start today (let's assume it's mid-January) then you are looking at late February to mid-March before anyone signs on - at best.

Then there's the notice period - call it a month by the time your new hire has decided to take a short break between jobs. Optimistically, you are looking at an April start and, chances are, it will be after Easter. That's a quarter of the way through the year already!

Secondly - think about the candidate supply. January is a window of opportunity to pick up candidates that may not be nearly as receptive later in the year. Put yourself in their shoes. Those that love their job aren't looking. But if they're not so sure and they didn't quit before Christmas, then there is nothing more depressing than coming back to your desk after the holidays.

The reality is that many have either resolved to look for new work in the new year or become open to the idea as soon as they come back to work. By February, they are often too busy to think about it or back into the swing of things. Worse still, a competitor hired them out from under you while you were working out  your priorities.

Don't miss the January window to hire good people. It won't come around again for another year.