Why January is the busiest hiring month

Why January is the busiest hiring month


 

Petra Tagg, operations director at ManpowerGroup, highlights that the increase in job applications stems from several factors:

  • seasonal jobs ending

  • companies implementing new hiring strategies

  • jobseekers waiting until after the holidays to apply, as seen with a significant spike in early January activity

Data from Glassdoor revealed that 7 January has consistently been the busiest day for job applications, with an estimated 17% jump in activity.

 

Navigating recruitment challenges in 2025

While jobseeker activity is high, businesses are approaching hiring cautiously due to economic pressures. Recent reports show:

  • Private sector employers predict a drop in hiring by March 2025 (CBI survey)

  • Employer demand for staff reached a four-year low in December 2024 (KPMG and REC)

Despite this, competition for roles remains intense. In November 2024, there were two jobseekers per vacancy, according to Adzuna.

 

Strategies for managing the January recruitment surge

To maximise recruitment efforts and attract the right talent, HR teams should focus on the following:

1. Create accurate and transparent job descriptions

James Neave, head of data science at Adzuna, stresses the importance of precise job ads. “Ensure job descriptions are clearly aligned with the role,” he advises. Including salary information not only attracts motivated candidates but also enhances your employer brand.

2. Embrace advanced tools and AI

Stephanie Coward of Iris Software Group recommends leveraging applicant tracking systems (ATS) with intelligent sifting tools. These systems can:

  • Filter applications for top talent

  • Support anonymised recruitment to reduce unconscious bias

  • Highlight diverse candidates, boosting equity and inclusion

3. Go beyond the CV

With jobseekers increasingly using AI to polish CVs, recruiters need additional tools to assess candidates. Josh Millet, CEO of Criteria Corp, suggests incorporating:

  • Skills assessments: gain objective insight into capabilities

  • Personality tests: understand cultural fit and work preferences

These methods provide measurable data to make confident hiring decisions while reducing time-to-hire.

4. Prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)

AI can also enhance DEI by anonymising applications, blocking identifiers such as age and gender to minimise unconscious bias. This ensures your recruitment process remains inclusive while accessing wider talent pools.

 

Preparing for success in 2025

The January recruitment boom is an opportunity for HR teams to strengthen their strategies and build resilient teams for the year ahead. By refining job ads, embracing technology, and prioritising DEI, organisations can attract top talent while staying ahead in a competitive market.

 

Looking to navigate the January hiring surge? Whether you need to fill critical roles or refine your recruitment process, we’re here to help.

Get in touch today and let’s build the team that will drive your success in 2025 and beyond.

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