Holiday Recruitment EffortsPaul Olzak, MBA, CPRP

Rather than avoiding outreach during the holidays, recruiters should view this time as a strategic opening. As the year winds down, physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare providers often reflect on their professional satisfaction and consider future opportunities. Studies show that the holiday season fosters career contemplation, leading some professionals to explore job openings that offer better work-life balance or new challenges?.

Additionally, because many recruiters slow their efforts at this time of year, your communications have a better chance of standing out. Inboxes are less flooded with job offers, and candidates may be more receptive to recruitment messages during quieter periods?.

Here’s how recruiters can capitalize on the holiday season to attract top healthcare talent:

• Timing is Everything
  • Many healthcare administrators and gatekeepers take time off during the holidays, which might offer easier access to decision-makers or candidates directly. Shifting the timing of your outreach to non-traditional hours (such as early mornings or late afternoons) may also help you get noticed?.
• Tailor Your Messaging to the Season
  • Use messaging that aligns with end-of-year sentiments. Emphasize the promise of a “fresh start” with a new opportunity in the coming year. For example, phrases like “New Year, New Role” or “A Career That Aligns with Your Resolutions” can resonate with healthcare providers considering change?.
• Multi-Channel Outreach Matters
  
  • On average, it takes 7 to 10 touchpoints across various mediums to convert a passive candidate into a job seeker. Enhance your email campaigns with additional strategies like:
    • Direct mail: A personalized card or brochure can leave a lasting impression.
    • Text messaging: Healthcare professionals increasingly appreciate concise, timely messages that they can respond to during breaks?.
    • Social media campaigns: Targeted LinkedIn ads or festive-themed posts may also encourage engagement during downtime.
• Offer Flexibility in Interviews and Hiring Processes
  • Some candidates may be more open to discussing opportunities during the holidays, especially if you offer remote interview options. The flexibility to meet virtually during off-hours shows that you respect their personal time?.