Research shows one in five Canadian companies increase hiring in fourth quarter

As the year winds down, hiring picks up at many Canadian companies, new research from staffing firm OfficeTeam shows. One in five (20 per cent) of human resources (HR) managers interviewed said their organization typically increases hiring in the fourth quarter. Of those, 95 per cent of respondents indicated they bring on staff at year-end to address upticks in business, 94 per cent add new positions, and 89 per cent fill vacated positions.

“For many employees, the holiday season marks vacations and downtime, but for businesses, it often means finalizing projects, delivering year-end reports and setting objectives for upcoming programs,” said Koula Vasilopoulos, a district president for OfficeTeam. “Ensuring ample resources are available to fill in for vacationing workers is a priority for managers who anticipate an uptick in workloads toward the end of the year.”

Vasilopoulos added, “The coming months present a good opportunity for job seekers to continue their hunt for new or seasonal roles as companies strategize growth plans and look to staff their teams accordingly.”

OfficeTeam offers seven tips for making the most of a job search during the fourth quarter:

Freshen things up. Make sure your resume and social network profiles highlight your most recent achievements. If professional photos or job descriptions are out-of-date, be sure to update them.
Polish your skills. Take a continuing education course or pursue certifications to increase your marketability. Stay on top of trends affecting your profession by reading industry books and magazines, and following relevant social media feeds.
Reconnect with contacts. The end of the year provides a prime opportunity to check in with people in your network and let them know you’re looking for a position.
Make a wish list. Compile names of companies you’re interested in working for and contact them regarding openings. Schedule informational interviews to learn more and get your foot in the door.
Meet and mingle. At networking events and year-end parties, be prepared to discuss your background and the type of role you seek. You never know who might be able to help in the job search.
Spend your time wisely. Put your abilities to work and gain additional experience by volunteering at nonprofit organizations or finding a temporary position. A staffing firm can help you secure interim or seasonal jobs.
Think outside the box. Retail positions may be the most obvious options when seeking employment in the fourth quarter, but consider other types of companies that might be hiring. Employers in areas such as customer service, hospitality and tourism, insurance, fraud prevention, and shipping and packaging may also require assistance this time of year.