The end of the year is rarely the moment to overhaul your hiring strategy — and you know what, that’s okay! But a little light reflection and preparation during quieter moments can make a real difference when January arrives.
Here are five simple, positive things IT hiring managers can do over the holidays to set themselves up for success in the new year.
- Reflect on what worked (and what didn’t)
Take 20 minutes to look back at this year’s hires.
- Which roles were hardest to fill?
- Where did candidates tend to drop out?
- What slowed the process down?
You don’t need detailed notes — just a few honest observations. Small insights now can save weeks of frustration later.
- Sanity-check your job descriptions
Many hiring challenges start with unrealistic or overloaded job specs.
Ask yourself:
- Are all the requirements truly essential?
- Are we asking for skills that could realistically be trained?
- Does the description reflect the actual day-to-day role?
Even removing one unnecessary requirement can significantly widen your candidate pool.
- Consider flexibility (even small changes)
Flexibility doesn’t have to mean a complete policy shift.
Small adjustments — such as clearer hybrid expectations, core working hours instead of rigid schedules, or openness to contract options — can make roles far more attractive in a competitive market.
A quick rethink here can pay off quickly in January.
- Line up approvals early
One of the biggest causes of delayed hiring is internal sign-off.
If possible, use quieter moments to think about:
- Budget approvals
- Headcount sign-off
- Interview availability in early January
A little preparation now can help you move faster when the new year starts.
- Decide what “good” looks like next year
Clarity makes hiring calmer.
Before the rush begins, consider:
- Which skills are must-haves versus trainable?
- What matters more: speed or perfection?
- What kind of team fit are you really looking for?
Clear priorities lead to better decisions — for both hiring managers and candidates.
Final thought Hiring doesn’t have to be frantic to be effective. A small amount of reflection and planning can make the start of the new year feel far more manageable.
If you’d like a fresh perspective or a sounding board as hiring picks up again, we’re always happy to help.
Wishing you a peaceful Christmas, and a successful year ahead.
