The holiday season is one of the most underrated recruiting opportunities of the year. Leaders often find themselves attending more gatherings than usual—industry events, neighborhood parties, association banquets, client celebrations. And in these settings, people tend to be relaxed, open, and genuinely interested in what others are up to.
This makes the holidays a perfect time to casually spread the word about the key hires your organization is making.
A Natural Moment for Referral Conversations
Most strong hires come through referrals, not job postings. And yet leaders often wait until they’re back in “work mode” to talk about hiring needs. The holidays offer something better: informal conversations that don’t feel like recruiting.
You don’t need to pitch. You don’t need to sell. A simple, sincere mention—“We’re adding a new Operations Leader next quarter. If someone comes to mind, I’d love an intro”—is more than enough.
People want to help. They just need to know how.
Make It Easy for People to Connect the Dots
Whether you’re talking to a colleague, a friend, or someone you just met at a holiday event, the ask should be simple:
- Share that you’re hiring
- Name the type of role
- Point them to the LinkedIn posting
For those who demonstrate interest for people they know, describe your culture or the type of people who make a GREAT fit in your organization. That’s far more impressionable and memorable than describing a job.
If your job is posted on LinkedIn—and it should be—this removes any friction. They don’t need to remember details or qualifications. They just need to pass along the link to the right person.
Multiply Your Reach Through Your Team
You don’t have to be the only one sharing the message. The holiday season expands everyone’s networks. Encourage your leadership team and key employees to mention open roles as they attend their own gatherings. A casual “We’re hiring—if you know anyone great, I’ll send you the link” can go a long way.
People remember opportunities that feel timely, positive, and personal. Holiday conversations check all three boxes.
A Seasonal Tradition Worth Keeping
Recruiting doesn’t pause in December, and neither should the effort to find great talent. The holidays create a natural environment for connection, and those small, authentic conversations can lead to the most impactful hires.
So as you head into this year’s celebrations, bring a mindset of generosity, curiosity, and openness. You never know who knows the perfect next hire for your team.
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