The end of a normal year brings new challenges, when a lot of businesses and industries shut over the Christmas period. As this hasn’t been a normal year (to say the least), this could mean that there are less clients interested in filling roles or that your candidates are a little less responsive.
But don’t lose hope – although this year has been challenging enough, the issues you usually face over the holidays could actually be easier to overcome this year.
A huge challenge recruiters usually face at Christmas is not being able to contact people on annual leave. Emails get lost, calls get ignored and not to mention a spot of festive ghosting. Luckily this year, with clients and candidates being more connected than ever (and with no holidays to go on) it may be easier to get in touch than usual.
When you would usually be stuck in the office trying to catch candidates on their lunch breaks or after work, you can now, thanks to a huge increase in remote working, have more flexibility.
Candidates find it easier to make contact and take calls whilst working from home, interviews are easier as so many are now done online.
Try multiple platforms
When you get unresponsive clients and candidates over the Christmas period it may seem like all hope is lost…but it isn’t! Did you know that 87% of candidates want the right channel of communication at the right time? 41% will engage with their recruiter if a call is followed up by a text message too. Take a look at our previous infographic for more facts.
You can try reaching your customers on a variety of channels, including email, text and phone. Broadcast messaging and voicemail drops can make contacting your candidates this Christmas even easier.
However, make sure you strike a perfect balance between perseverance and spam – you don’t want your candidates and clients to feel like you are over-hassling them. Personalising each message can go a long way and actually gain you some customer service brownie points! It shows you are attentive, personable and only aims to boost your customer satisfaction.
No time like the present
It can be difficult when candidates and clients alike want to delay the process of recruitment until January. Another way to kick-start your 2021 is to advertise your candidates now. Let your clients know which candidates are ready and rearing to go ASAP. Remember that organisation and communication are key to effectively reconnecting with people in the new year. Gosh, that was a mouthful!
Anticipating the challenges of the Christmas and New Year periods allow you to better prepare for them and face them head on. The holidays can be seen as an easy time to be less active, but if you use this time productively, you can strengthen relationships and poise your moves ready for early 2021.
