Keeping Candidates Engaged Over Christmas: How Agencies Can Prepare for January Success

For most people, Christmas is a time to relax. But for education recruitment agencies, the festive period can make or break the start of the new year. While schools close for the holidays, candidates often step back too — and without the right engagement, many don’t return in January as expected.

That’s why December isn’t just about finishing the term strong — it’s also about keeping candidates connected. Agencies that invest in engagement over the Christmas break are the ones who hit the ground running when schools reopen in January.

1. Why Engagement Slips in December

Holiday distractions mean candidates switch off completely.
Uncertainty about January leaves some unsure if work will be available.
Frustration with admin (like chasing compliance or payroll errors) makes candidates less likely to return.

Without engagement, agencies risk losing talent just when schools need it most.

2. The Cost of Losing Candidates Over the Break

Smaller talent pools in January = slower placements for schools.
More recruitment spend needed to rebuild pipelines.
Reduced trust from schools who rely on familiar faces for continuity.

Retention isn’t just about saving effort — it directly impacts school satisfaction and agency revenue.

3. How Agencies Can Keep Candidates Connected

Engagement doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, thoughtful actions make all the difference:

Send festive check-ins – a simple message wishing candidates a happy holiday goes a long way.
Confirm January bookings early – candidates who know they’re working after Christmas are more likely to stay engaged.
Share useful resources – CPD opportunities or teaching tips keep candidates feeling supported.
Offer reassurance – let them know demand will rise in January and you’ll be in touch.

4. How Technology Makes Engagement Easier

With MyTalent CRM, agencies can keep candidates engaged without overloading recruiters:

Automated reminders prompt candidates to confirm availability for January.
Self-service portals let staff update documents or preferences over the break.
Bulk messaging tools make it easy to send festive updates or quick check-ins.
Engagement dashboards highlight candidates at risk of disengaging.

By combining personal touches with smart automation, agencies keep pipelines strong and ready for the new year.

Final Thought
The Christmas break doesn’t have to mean candidate silence. Agencies who keep in touch, confirm bookings early, and show appreciation are the ones who enter January with loyal, motivated staff ready to go.

👉 Discover how MyTalent CRM helps agencies engage candidates all year round

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