Here we are, October 24th—just two months until the festive season!!!
Can you believe it? So, here’s the big question: where are you in your IT hiring process?
If you’re hoping to fill tech roles before the end of the year, now’s the time to check in and keep the process moving. Depending on your answer, you’ll either be celebrating with your new hires before the holidays or gearing up for a January 2025/Q1 start. And let’s be honest, if you’re still figuring out what the role even looks like, well, we’re probably talking next year. In the tech world, timing is everything. On average, the hiring process takes at least 8 to 12 weeks. You blink and suddenly it’s the holidays! So, let’s break down the timeline and what you need to keep in mind:
Job Posting and Sourcing Candidates for Tech Roles (2-4 weeks):
The first two or three weeks are spent hunting for the right talent.
This is where a well-crafted, thoughtful job post becomes your best friend.
Expect at least 2-4 weeks minimum to get the candidates you are looking to attract into your pipeline.
Yes, it takes time, but this is where you set the stage for the right people to find you.
Find out about our IT Specialisations
Tech Roles Screening and Interviewing (4-6 weeks):
Once the resumes are rolling in, the next four to six weeks go into screening and interviews.
Here’s a tip: make sure all your key players—the ones who need this hire—are not only on board but also have blocked time for interviews.
December is a scheduling nightmare, with people taking days off, annual meetings, sales conferences, tech summits etc. and all the things that happen.
Flexibility is going to be your best friend if you want to keep this moving.
Offer Stage and Notice Periods (4-12 weeks minimum):
You’ve found your perfect candidate, congratulations!
But wait, they’ve got a notice period, and if you haven’t extended that offer by late November, chances are they won’t be starting until… well, somewhere near the end of Q1.
Yes, tech notice periods are longer than most.
It’s not unusual to wait up to 3 months (and maybe 6 months for Executive IT roles) for your new hire to walk through the door. And yes, the year really does fly by!
So, what does this mean for your hiring plans?
- If you’re still in the early stages, brace yourself for a January start if you’re lucky. Maybe February. Maybe mid-March depending on the notice period.
- If you’re getting close to making an offer, there’s still time to lock it down before the holidays—but you need to move fast.
Look, hiring isn’t just about filling a seat. It’s about building the future of your team.
So, yes, keep the timeline front of mind, but don’t sacrifice the quality of your hire in a rush to wrap things up.
Whether you’re aiming to secure talent before the year end or setting the stage for a strong start in the new year, stay clear on your plan and ensure everyone’s on the same page.
And remember, time flies—especially when you’re trying to hire in tech! Keep expectations realistic, prioritize quality, and stay ahead of the holiday rush. With the right approach, you’ll set yourself up for success in 2025!
#ithiring #techcareers #itjobs #technologyjobs #recruitment
P.S. Sometimes, when you’re aiming to make a senior hire and the clock is ticking on critical projects, bringing in extra help can be a smart move.
Earlier this year, I shared an article on hiring IT contractors to get projects back on track.
Contract talent can offer the expertise and momentum you need to keep things moving while you work to secure the right long-term team member
Please see the link below
P.P.S. I’d love for you to join me on Monday, November 4th at 10:30 AM (coffee time ☕️) for a conversation I’m having with Samantha Kelly on “Strategies for IT Recruitment for 2025.” Click the link below to listen in or attend—we’d love to have you there!
https://www.linkedin.com/events/strategiesforitrecruitmentfor207252262273761644544/theater/
If you have any other IT recruiting challenges you’d like to discuss, I’m always open for a no-pressure chat! Feel free to DM me here, call me at 087 2932709, or drop me an email at Imelda@starrecruitment.ie. Happy hiring!!
