There’s never going to be a perfect time to start looking for talent. 

However, at North Search we think the month of October is one of the key months in the year to do so. Executive and Technical search services do not follow a spray and pray approach. Each search is conducted with extreme care and diligence to ensure accuracy and efficiency throughout. 

If you are considering enlisting a search provider nearing the end of the year, here’s 5 reasons why October is the best time to start: 

1. You are looking for someone to start a new role in January.  
   It takes between 8-12 weeks to complete a comprehensive search process. Start now to ensure you have the right team in place for the new year. 
    
2. You want to have the best candidates engaged in a talent search.
   As we edge closer to the summer holiday season in Australia, potential candidates can become less engaged with the market. They could be under pressure to achieve their own personal or professional goals before the end of the year, or they will delay big decisions until the new year. If you leave it too late, the available talent pool shrinks considerably. 
    
3. You want to have impact before the end of financial year.  
   If you start a search now, you will likely land the right candidate in the early new year. Leave it later in November or December and you could be looking at March or April for a start. This timeframe is based on the individual having a 4-week notice period. With a 3-month notice period, you could be looking at a May to June start at the earliest. This especially rings true for executive and c-suite level positions. 
    
4. You require a contingency plan for team members that pose a flight-risk. 
   At North Search, we are often retained in late December and January due to key people resigning at the end of the year. These resignations sometimes come as a surprise but can often be predicted and mitigated by having an engaged talent pipeline in place which can be mobilised quickly. Don’t let a foreseeable resignation ruin your summer. 
    
5. Bonuses have just been paid.  
   For many, September bonuses have just been paid. Whether employees are happy or not, now is the time to get people thinking of changing roles. The further they reach into the year, the harder it is for them to consider a move before the end of a new bonus cycle. It will also be less likely to need to buy someone out of their current bonus or offer a sign on bonus. 
   
   

As you can see, the October/November period can often be viewed as one of the most effective months to engage an executive search firm. At North Search, we are relentless in our search for the best individuals for your mandate. Our strategic search process ensures our ability to capture an accurate view of the market prior to engagement, qualification, and placement. 
 
This detailed approach takes time. As we near the Christmas break, you don’t want to be the last of your competitors to approach the market. If you’re still unsure whether or not this is the best option for your organisation, get in touch with a member of our team who will assess your requirements.