5 ways to streamline IT recruiting this summer

Hiring TipsDeveloper Recruiting

It has been tradition that the summer is a difficult time for IT recruitment, however more and more employers are trying to extend their recruiting efforts during this time. Even though seasonal jobs during the summer are mostly linked with outdoor work and free-time activities, many employers state that they are looking to hire for a multitude of professional groups.

Another reason why summer is an attractive season for settings: much less competition for top talent. Studies show that summer offers the best ratio of talent to open positions. In June, July and August there are 2.4 candidates for each job listing. Compare that to the winter months when there is only 1.3 candidate per listing.

While recruiting in the summer may require a different approach, experienced employers can maximize their efforts to get ahead before starting fresh in the fall. Here are some of the best tips to keep in mind if you're considering ramping up your IT recruiting efforts this summer.

Adjust your messages

In summer, it is more important than ever to keep it simple, as candidates are more likely to be using mobile devices to read job descriptions, schedule interviews, or visit your company website. Keep your messaging short and easily readable, and make sure it is mobile-friendly. And don't be afraid to communicate via email, especially when it comes to scheduling time-sensitive interviews or discussing a job offer.

Don't let your interview process derail...

The summer months are indeed an advantageous time for developers and IT specialists to conduct interviews. While high-level technical talents are occupied with themselves and their work during most of the year, taking a break is easier to achieve in the summer months. This allows them to also think about their proper way and their next career move.

The same factors, however, can work against you when it comes to scheduling interviews. This is particularly true for on-site interviews, which can be difficult to organize if your candidate has to meet with several people who may be on vacation themselves. For this reason, it is important to be careful when planning to make sure that you or the HR manager prioritize the interview team - even if this means staying later than usual on a Friday, for example.

… communicate honestly.

Despite your best intentions, there may be unavoidable cases where your interview process and decision-making take longer than in other seasons. If this is the case, try to address the issue by keeping in touch with the candidate. Get a sense of how many other companies the candidate is interviewing with and how quickly they want to make a decision. Then openly discuss with the candidate the timeline you have for an offer.

Look for candidates who would be ready to move

The summer season is the best time to look for potential candidates who might be open to relocating. This is particularly true for older applicants with familial obligations that make it difficult to move during the school year. In today's market, it's important to consider candidates from a wider geographical area.