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.
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:
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.
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
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.
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.
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.