With schools closed, annual leave in full swing, and inboxes often quieter than usual, the summer months can present unique challenges to recruiting. However, while the pace of business may shift, recruitment doesn’t have to stop. In fact, summer can be a great time to engage with talent who are planning their next move.
Here are our top tips to help you keep momentum and make summer hiring a success.
Be flexible
Candidates are likely to have holidays, family commitments, or childcare responsibilities over the summer break. Being open to flexibility, whether it’s adjusting interview timings, splitting stages over a couple of weeks, or avoiding key travel dates, can make a big difference.
If a great candidate is away, don’t let the process stall. At Irwin and Colton, we help manage everyone’s expectations and keep communication flowing so your hiring journey continues moving forward.
Go virtual
Video interviews are not just a Covid-era fix, they’re an effective tool for modern hiring. With many professionals travelling or working remotely over the summer, offering video interview options ensures you can keep candidates engaged wherever they are.
It’s a great way to maintain momentum and demonstrate your organisation’s adaptability. If a candidate is abroad but keen to progress, a quick 30-minute video call can keep things moving and avoid the need to restart the process weeks later.
Streamline the process
In the summer, time is of the essence. Review your recruitment process. Can you reduce the number of interview stages, limit the panel size, or empower one decision-maker to move things forward?
A streamlined process helps avoid delays and shows candidates that you value their time. In a competitive market, this could be the difference between securing your top choice or losing them to a faster-moving employer.
Consider entry-level candidates
Graduates and early-career professionals flood the market over the summer, looking for a foot in the door. If you have junior or support roles to fill, now is the time to tap into this talent pool.
Many candidates will have completed internships or part-time roles and are ready to step into full-time work. Hiring at entry level also gives you the chance to shape talent early and build long-term loyalty within your team.
Engage contractors and interim professionals
If you need immediate support or cover during the holiday period, bringing in a contractor can be a smart move. They can quickly get up to speed, help bridge the gap while permanent hiring continues, and keep key projects on track.
We work with an excellent network of health, safety, environment, and sustainability professionals who are ready to start at short notice, whether it’s for a summer assignment or something longer term.
Keep marketing your roles
It’s tempting to assume no one is looking for a job in the summer, but that’s not the case. Many candidates use the quieter period to update their CV, explore new opportunities, or reflect on their next move.
Continue to market your vacancies through your website, LinkedIn, and other channels. It’s also a great time to highlight your employer brand. Why should someone want to work for you? Show your culture, flexibility, and people-first approach.
Don’t pause the search
One of the biggest mistakes we see is companies putting recruitment on hold until September. This often leads to a backlog of work, missed talent, and rushed decisions once activity resumes.
Even if hiring timelines are slightly longer in the summer, keeping things moving means you’re in a strong position for a smooth transition into autumn, when competition for candidates typically increases.
Final thought
Hiring in the summer may require a slightly different approach, but it also presents an opportunity. With fewer companies actively recruiting, there is often less competition for top talent. With a bit of planning and a flexible mindset, you can secure excellent candidates and build momentum ahead of the busy final quarter of the year.
If you need support recruiting within health, safety, environment, or sustainability, our team is here throughout the summer and ready to help you find the right people.
Get in touch, we’d love to help.