As Thanksgiving approaches, the turkey isn’t the only thing that should be getting stuffed—your talent pipeline needs some attention too! While many companies wind down during the holiday season, this time can actually be a prime opportunity for hiring and getting ahead of the competition. Whether you’re looking to bring in new hires to manage the year-end rush or planning ahead for the new year, Thanksgiving provides a perfect moment to reflect on your staffing needs, reassess your strategy, and prepare for the busy months ahead.

Here’s how you can stuff your hiring strategy with success this Thanksgiving:

1. Give Thanks for the Candidates You Already Have

Before diving into your next round of hiring, take a moment to appreciate the candidates who are already in your talent pool. Maybe they didn’t land the job last time, but with the right nurturing, they could be the perfect fit for your current needs.

  • Re-engage with Past Applicants: Reach out to candidates who were previously interviewed but didn’t get hired. A quick check-in to see if they’re still interested in opportunities can lead to a strong hire, especially if circumstances have changed on both sides since the last time you spoke.
  • Keep a Warm Talent Pool: Think of your talent pool as a pantry of fresh ingredients—don’t let it get stale. Send holiday greetings or updates about your company’s growth. This keeps top candidates interested and ready to respond when a suitable position opens.

2. Don’t Let the Holidays Slow You Down—Plan for 2025

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect not just on what you need right now, but on your hiring goals for the year ahead. The new year will be here before you know it, and setting a hiring strategy now can ensure you enter 2025 strong.

  • Forecast Your Hiring Needs for the New Year: Are there new projects on the horizon? Are you expanding your team to accommodate growth? Even though it’s a quieter time, now is the time to start planning and lining up candidates who can start strong in the new year.
  • Get Ahead of the Post-Holiday Rush: Hiring typically slows down during the last few weeks of the year, but January often sees a surge in job-seeking activity. Start early to ensure that your roles are posted and visible when candidates are looking to kickstart their careers after the holiday season.

3. Serve Up Long-Term Roles for Future Growth

It’s prime time to focus on permanent positions that will contribute to your company’s long-term growth and success. Think about succession planning.

  • Plan for the New Year: The holiday season is the perfect moment to assess your staffing needs for the year ahead. Are there key positions that need to be filled to support new projects or anticipated growth in the new year? Take advantage of this period to find the right talent who can contribute to your team for the long haul.
  • Target Career-Minded Candidates: Many job seekers use the holiday season to reflect on their career goals and consider new opportunities. Highlight the stability and growth opportunities that come with the roles, and emphasize the long-term benefits of joining your company, such as professional development programs, career advancement, and a supportive work environment.

By focusing on securing long-term hires now, you can ensure your company enters the new year with a talented, committed team ready to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

4. Pass the Gravy: Create a Smooth, Efficient Hiring Process

A slow hiring process during the holidays can leave candidates feeling like they’re stuck in a mashed potato rut—nothing is moving forward. With the holiday season often full of distractions, make sure your hiring process is as smooth as gravy to keep top talent interested.

  • Speed Up the Process: Time is precious during the holiday season, so streamline your hiring process as much as possible. Reduce the number of interviews, speed up decision-making, and make sure communication is clear and frequent so candidates don’t feel left in limbo.
  • Make Virtual Interviews Your Secret Ingredient: Remote work has changed the way we interview. Use virtual interviews to connect with candidates who might be traveling or spending time with family during the holidays. This flexibility can increase your candidate pool and allow for faster, more convenient scheduling.

5. Spread the Holiday Cheer (And the Benefits!)

Candidates want to feel valued and appreciated, especially during the holiday season. Highlight your company’s culture, perks, and the benefits that make your workplace a great place to spend time in, even beyond the holidays.

  • Show Off Your Company Culture: Highlight what makes your workplace special, especially if you offer unique benefits that help employees balance their work and personal lives during the holidays. Whether it’s flexible hours, a generous paid time off policy, or a company-wide holiday party, showcasing these perks can make your company stand out to potential hires.
  • Offer End-of-Year Bonuses or Incentives: Some companies give end-of-year bonuses or performance incentives around Thanksgiving and the holidays. Even if you don’t have this option, offering a positive work environment, opportunities for advancement, or the promise of new projects in the new year can be just as enticing to candidates.

6. Consider Diversity and Inclusion When Setting the Table

The holiday season is a time of celebration, but it’s also a great opportunity to reflect on how your hiring practices are making room for everyone. Diversity and inclusion should always be a key ingredient in your hiring process.

  • Diversify Your Talent Pool: Expand your hiring efforts to tap into new talent pools. For instance, consider attending virtual career fairs, connecting with underrepresented groups in your industry, or partnering with diversity-focused recruiting platforms to find candidates who will bring unique perspectives and skills to your organization.
  • Create Inclusive Job Descriptions: Review your job descriptions and ensure they are welcoming and inclusive. This could mean using gender-neutral language or emphasizing flexibility and work-life balance—values that resonate with many job seekers, especially during the holidays.

7. Stay Grateful and Keep the Spirit of Giving

As we approach the end of the year, it’s a good time to remind ourselves to stay grateful for the opportunities we’ve had and the people who have helped us along the way—whether they’re current employees or candidates who might soon join the team.

  • Recognize Your Team’s Contributions: Take a moment to thank your current employees for their hard work, and show appreciation to all workers. Happy employees lead to happy candidates, and cultivating a positive work culture can make your company more attractive to top talent.
  • Keep the Connection Going: Use this time to nurture your relationships with candidates, even if they’re not the right fit right now. Send a thank-you note, holiday greeting, or just check in to maintain an ongoing relationship that could lead to future hires.

A Bountiful Harvest of Talent Awaits

The holidays might seem like a time for winding down, but when it comes to hiring, there’s a wealth of opportunity to tap into. By being proactive, flexible, and thoughtful about your hiring strategy, you can attract top talent and ensure your business is well-staffed and ready to tackle the new year with vigor.

So, as you prepare for Thanksgiving feasts and end-of-year celebrations, remember that now is the perfect time to serve up a recruiting strategy that leaves your team and your talent pipeline full and satisfied. Happy Thanksgiving—and happy hiring!

Are you looking for top talent in the Specialty Chemical, Advanced Materials, or Animal Health industry?

Contact us to discuss how we can bring top leadership talent to your team. Boaz Partners is a premier executive search firm focused on the direct recruitment of executives and professionals for specialty chemicals, advanced materials, and animal health spaces. We are your partner, and our focus is on custom recruiting solutions. Follow the link to learn more about how our specialty chemical recruiters can help you.