The fourth quarter presents the most complex hiring dynamics of the year, with its mix of fall activity, holiday retail hiring, Thanksgiving-to-New Year’s crazy traffic, and end-of-year financial and budget maneuvering.
For recruiters in the healthcare staffing agency, the standard to fill job orders are distributed this way: first quarter, 23 percent; second quarter, 21 percent; third quarter, 20 percent; fourth quarter, 36 percent.
Although December is a low month for hiring, recruiters a lot of times are determined to fill the year’s remaining openings by December 31, and the supply of applicants dwindles as Christmas and the New Year approach.
But December isn’t as slow as it used to be, say some recruiters. And applications tend to slow down during the holiday season more than openings do thus, tipping the balance in favor of those who do apply.
So playing the recruitment peaks does not mean waiting out the rest of the year you should still be out there looking for opportunities to hire the right nurse.
Because some of the hiring is done for just “seasonal” work, some job seekers slow down their job hunt at the end of the year. However, by doing so, they might be missing out on seasonal work turning into full time employment opportunities. Many companies add temporary positions during the holidays, openings that they’re starting to fill now.
Seasonal workers are needed across the medical field and for a variety of job functions. The positions do have benefits beyond just a paycheck.
- A holiday job can help fill a résumé a gap and give you experience that you can reference during an interview. It is a connection that can prove to be beneficial after the holidays, either immediately or in the future. Take it as an opportunity to make yourself invaluable and build relationships.
- You might learn something new. Whether the employer is shorthanded and asks you to undertake a new task, or you volunteer to help with a big project, not only will the company remember you, but you’ll have new skills to market to other potential employers.
- What is another plus to working during the holidays? A seasonal job can become a long-term career, because some companies end up permanently hiring temporary workers. 23 percent of employers are planning to transition some contract or temporary staff into full-time employees in Q4.
There are seasonal jobs out there, though there may be more competition this year. If you are the one looking to hire a nurse or caregiver you do have the upper hand. Here are five tips on what to look for in the nurses resume. To make sure you get the BEST candidate for the need. Think about following these tips and not trying to meet the needs. You will then find quality people and represent your company well!
1. Do They Have a Cover Letter?
It sounds elementary, but you’d be surprised how many applicants submit resumes without cover letters. Cover letters are a great chance for them to show why employers should take a good look at their resume.
2. Did They Summarize Qualifications
They should show why they deserve the position and provide a concise summary of qualifications spanning from educational and professional background to their future goals.
3. Are They Themselves on Resume?
Fixing up your sister’s injured knee while on your family vacation in Peru does not qualify as international experience. Nursing is not a field where someone can fake it until they make it. They should portray themselves in the best light possible without exaggerating their skill level.
4. Does It Flow?
They are applying for a job, a very serious one at that, it very important they present their experience in a logical and organized way so you can easily read through it. If you cannot understand their resume, toss it(file it) and move on to the next.
5. Is Experience Highlighted?
Highlighting certain qualifications and expertise is something that every nurse should do. They should use every piece of knowledge they have to their advantage.
