Executive hiring in the nonprofit and social impact sectors can be complex, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. And according to Forbes, December averages 26% fewer new hires than the typical month. But just because the festivities are in full swing, doesn’t mean that organizations can put off identifying and securing top-tier talent for key leadership roles. This blog will explore targeted strategies for navigating executive hiring during the holidays, ensuring a smooth and successful recruitment process.
1. Flexible Interview Scheduling
“Recognizing the significance of flexible interviewing schedules during the holiday season is not just a gesture; it’s a strategic commitment to attracting top-tier talent,” says Julio Suarez, managing director at DRiWaterstone. “By doing so, it demonstrates both our interest in a candidate, as well as our respect for their time and priorities. This creates an environment where exceptional candidates feel valued, ensuring our quest for excellence remains unwavering, even during the festivities.”
During the holidays, flexibility is key. Consider virtual interviews for convenience and provide interview slots during early mornings or after hours to align with varied schedules during the season. Additionally, you may need to provide a longer lead time for decision-making, considering your candidates’ needs. Integrating these flexible options can enhance efficiency and the overall candidate experience in your holiday hiring process.
2. Emphasize the Impact of the Position
Because of the busy nature of the holiday season and to capture candidates’ attention, it’s important to take the time to highlight the transformative potential of the executive role in your organization. Executives in the nonprofit sector often seek positions where they can significantly impact society. Craft your job descriptions and outreach messages to underscore the meaningful change the incoming executive can facilitate, aligning their professional aspirations with your organization’s mission. Setting your unique opportunity apart is crucial to attracting purpose and mission-driven talent.
3. Consider Hiring a Retained Executive Search Firm
The holiday season is a busy time for nonprofit and social impact organizations. Enlisting the services of a retained executive search firm can free up your team to focus on mission-critical activities while still achieving your hiring needs. These firms (like ours) specialize in identifying and securing top-tier executive talent, alleviating the burden on your organization’s internal resources. Retained search firms bring expertise, industry knowledge, and a vast network to streamline recruitment, allowing your team to focus on essential year-end activities.
4. Personalized Outreach
Executive candidates are often busy with crucial end-of-year activities during the holiday season. Because of this, it is important to take the time to conduct a personalized approach when reaching out to potential candidates for your opportunity to stand out. Candidates appreciate tailored communication acknowledging their expertise and the value they can bring to your organization. Craft compelling messages that highlight your nonprofit’s unique value proposition and the critical role the executive will play in advancing your mission.
Work With Us on Your Next Executive Search this Holiday Season.
For over 20 years, we have been dedicated to matching mission and purpose-driven organizations with top purpose-driven candidates. Our team of experts has developed an extensive network and knowledge of the nonprofit and social impact sectors, and we excel in helping our clients find the best possible talent to support their growth and performance goals.
Let’s start a conversation—contact us today to talk to one of our dedicated team members.
