Holiday recruiting campaigns are becoming essential for companies that want to stand out during one of the busiest hiring seasons of the year. With many industries facing tight labor markets and rising turnover, well-planned holiday recruiting campaigns help organizations attract more qualified candidates before January hiring surges hit. These campaigns also boost visibility, strengthen employer branding, and inspire your team to participate in easier, faster referral hiring. When done right, holiday recruiting campaigns transform a traditionally slow or unpredictable period into a strategic moment to fill critical roles and start the new year fully staffed.
1. Launch a Festive Employee Referral Push
One of the most effective holiday recruiting campaigns you can run is a seasonal referral push that energizes your current team. Employees are already thinking about holiday expenses, which makes this the perfect time to offer a limited-time referral bonus boost. Even a small increase in payout or a fun, tiered reward can motivate staff to share open roles with their networks.
Seasonal incentives also work because they tap into community and connection — two things people naturally value more during the holidays. Add a simple leaderboard, weekly shoutouts, or a chance to win a gift card, and participation rises quickly. And because referral candidates are consistently higher quality, this campaign helps you attract more qualified applicants with less advertising spend.
For additional inspiration on why referrals outperform other sources, many HR leaders reference research from SHRM.
2. Create Holiday-Themed Job Posts That Stand Out
Another high-performing approach to holiday recruiting campaigns is adding seasonal flair to your job posts. Candidates scroll past hundreds of generic listings, but a festive headline or creative intro instantly catches the eye. A small touch — like referencing holiday schedules, year-end stability, or seasonal perks — can make your openings feel more welcoming and timely.
Holiday-themed posts also give you a chance to showcase culture. Mention team celebrations, winter wellness initiatives, or appreciation events to help candidates picture themselves in the environment. When job posts feel human and relatable, more qualified candidates take the next step and apply.
To streamline the process, many teams rely on modern hiring software that makes posting and promoting roles far faster. Tools like the Refered ATS help recruiters build branded job templates, publish to multiple job boards at once, and optimize listings for better visibility.
3. Run a “12 Days of Hiring” Social Media Campaign
Social media is one of the most effective channels for holiday recruiting campaigns, and a “12 Days of Hiring” series creates steady visibility during a season when candidates are highly active online. Each day can highlight something different: open roles, employee spotlights, referral rewards, company values, or behind-the-scenes holiday moments. This style of campaign builds momentum, encourages shares, and keeps your employer brand at the top of candidates’ feeds.
A daily cadence also increases touchpoints with passive job seekers — the people who aren’t actively applying but will engage when a post feels personal, timely, or fun. Add creative visuals and short-form video, and your reach expands even more.
For best practices on building effective employer brand content, the LinkedIn Talent Blog shares valuable insights.
4. Turn Holiday Appreciation Events Into Recruiting Moments
Many companies host holiday lunches, year-end recognition events, or team appreciation activities — and these gatherings can easily become high-impact holiday recruiting campaigns. When employees feel valued and connected, they naturally talk about their workplace with pride, which increases word-of-mouth referrals. Encouraging attendees to share photos, tag the company, or invite friends to apply extends your reach far beyond the event itself.
You can also spotlight open roles during these celebrations in a way that feels organic rather than salesy. A quick announcement, a QR code on tables, or a short message from leadership can prompt interested candidates to engage on the spot. These personal touchpoints help you attract more qualified applicants who already have a positive impression of your culture.
To make the referral and application process seamless during busy holiday months, many teams rely on automated tools within the Refered platform.
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Holiday recruiting campaigns give employers a powerful advantage during one of the most competitive hiring periods of the year. By combining creativity, seasonal energy, and strategic technology, you can attract more qualified candidates while strengthening engagement across your current team. Whether you’re launching festive referral incentives, refreshing holiday-themed job posts, building a “12 Days of Hiring” series, or turning appreciation events into organic recruiting moments, each campaign helps you enter the new year with a stronger, more stable workforce.
And with tools that streamline job posting, automate referrals, and simplify bonus tracking, platforms like Refered make executing effective holiday recruiting campaigns easier than ever
