Should you Recruit Before Christmas?

Nov 19, 2025 | IT, Tips

Should you recruit before Christmas? It’s a question, no doubt, on a lot of hiring managers’ minds right now. Do you wait until the New Year? Or do you go out to market now? Which is more likely to give you the best IT candidates?

You may think that candidates turn off in December. That they are focused on the festivities and waiting for the new year. new job bug. But is that right? Our consultants share their top 3 benefits of recruiting before Christmas.

There are more candidates to choose from

Yes, believe it or not, there are more candidates available in December for IT roles that we’ve seen over the last few months. We are speaking to candidates every day who are keen to secure their dream IT job before Christmas. They want to start 2026 with a renewed sense of excitement and a chance to make their mark in a new role. Read our 4 Tips on Hiring the Right Employee in IT for more tips.

Less competition if you recruit before Christmas

There’s a lot of excitement around Christmas this year after what the world has experienced over the last 18 months or so. And that can mean that whilst some companies are focused on Christmas Parties and festive celebrations, you can get ahead by continuing to recruit. Many companies press the pause button on hiring new employees over the Christmas period and postpone for the New Year. We take it they have little experience of the benefits of Christmas recruits! It can also mean that you don’t get caught into paying a higher salary than originally budgeted as candidates may not be in the process with as many companies. You can see the latest average salaries in our IT Salary Guides that we produce each month.

Start the New Year ahead

Waiting until January to recruit can mean that you are waiting until March for someone new to start! The first week of January isn’t the best time to be advertising a new job. It takes the nation a couple of weeks to get back into the pre-Christmas flow of things. That means that you’re not likely to be making offers until the end of January and with 1 month notice, this takes you to March. Why wait? By recruiting now, you can interview and offer before Christmas meaning your new starter can be with you before January is out.

Here’s where we can offer a helping hand to help you recruit before Christmas….

We understand that you may be busy finishing off projects for the year, and recruitment may not be in your plans. However, we can do the hard work for you and find high calibre candidates ideal for your workplace. Share your IT vacancies with us and will find the very best candidates for you. We will supply a shortlist of exceptional candidates that are all ready for interview.

Christmas is the time of giving, and we are ready to help both candidates and clients with their IT recruitment needs!

Top 4 Tips for Hiring the Right Employee in IT

Nov 19, 2025 | IT, Tips

Hiring the right employee is key to the success of your business. But you may find yourself having to be a little more flexible than in previous years. However, there are still some key things you need to look for when hiring.

Ability to produce results

This must come first! You want to hire an IT professional who can achieve the results your need. But how can you still achieve that in a skills short market? Maybe you’re fortunate enough to attract the candidate with the perfect skills and experience. We can help you do that.  However, in some circumstances, the perfect candidate may not exist. Then what? Focusing on that ability to do the job can help. If there’s a candidate that fits all the other criteria, but comes up alit short on experience, it can still work out. Thinking long-term can help you to build your team for the future. Ask yourself if your training plan could get the candidate up to speed within a short time. Could you train someone to do things your way? These candidates are usually the most committed and loyal meaning you cut your recruitment and training spend in the long run.

Fitting into the company culture

Regardless of your current working pattern, it’s key to hire people that fit into your company culture. Someone who thrives in your environment will stay with you longer. Focus on candidate who share your values. Those that care about the same things you do will get a greater sense of satisfaction in their work. Whilst every IT team needs varied personalities, having shared values can help with productivity too. Think about how this person will fit into your current team and the company as a whole.

Ambition is important when hiring the right employee

When we talk about ambition, we don’t just mean promotion. Ambition can also be to simply do a good job. Consider your business plan for the next 5 years. Will there be expansion or are you likely to stay consistent? Hiring someone into you team who has strong ambitions for progression won’t work if you’re not able to offer then this opportunity in the future. Whilst it will work for the short term, this person is likely to move on more quickly when another more senior role becomes available elsewhere. However, if you have ambitious growth plans and need people along for the ride, looking for people with ambition is key.

Enthusiasm and passion

Look for IT professionals who are enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. Enthusiasm is a great trait in a new employee! Enthusiastic and outgoing employees are often the first to volunteer for new projects or help with things outside of their day job. So not only will you get more from your new hire, people who love what they do will stay longer.

Hiring the right employee with Langley James

We’ve been helping companies to recruit someone worth recruiting for more than 20 years. We know how to attract the best candidates for your IT jobs. Our extensive database means that we can help you to find the candidates that other recruiters can’t. Want to know more? Get in touch with our expert team today – 0207 788 6600 / 01244 566442