Summer Hiring Slowdown? Why Now is the Perfect Time to Recruit

When summer rolls around, many companies hit the brakes on hiring. Calendars fill with vacations, internal priorities shift, and it’s easy to assume that no one is looking to make a career move. But here’s the truth: while others pause, the smartest companies lean in. 

Summer presents a unique and often-overlooked opportunity to connect with top marketing talent. With less competition and more space to stand out, this “slow” season might just be the most strategic time of the year to recruit. 

The Myth of the Summer Slowdown 

It’s a common misconception that summer is a bad time to hire. The narrative goes something like this: “Everyone’s away, candidates aren’t looking, and it’s just not worth the effort.” 

But in reality:  

• + Professionals use summer to reflect on their goals and consider their next move. 

• + Fewer job postings mean yours has a better chance of getting noticed. 

• + Candidates often have more flexibility for interviews, whether virtual or in-person. 

The hiring marketing may be quieter, but it’s far from dormant. 

Why Summer is a Smart Time to Recruit 

Less Competition = More Visibility 

In peak hiring seasons like January or September, job boards are flooded and inboxes overflow. In the summer, your posting isn’t competing with hundreds of others, which gives you more visibility – and candidates more time to thoughtfully engage. 

Candidates are Reflective and Receptive 

Summer is naturally a season of reflection. Many professionals assess their work-life balance, career satisfaction, and goals during slower months. It’s a great time to connect with those quietly considering a chance, even if they’re not actively applying. 

Get Ahead of Fall and Q4 Goals 

Hiring in the summer allows for smooth onboarding process before the busy fall season. Your team will be ramped up and ready for Q4 campaigns, year-end pushes, and strategic planning – without scrambling to hire during crunch time. 

How to Maximize Your Summer Hiring Strategy 

Refresh Your Employer Brand 

Make sure your online presence reflects the best of who you are: 

• + Update job descriptions to focus on growth, impact and culture. 

• + Share content on LinkedIn or Instagram showing summer events, team connection, or flexible work practices. 

• + Highlight employee testimonials and career stories that showcase long-term values. 

Engage Passive Talent 

Not every candidate is actively applying – but that doesn’t mean they’re not open to the right opportunity. Use the quieter season to: 

• + Send personalized outreach messages. 

• + Reconnect with past candidates. 

• + Leverage employee referrals. 

Summer is a great time to have exploratory conversations that lead to fall hires. 

Streamline the Hiring Process 

With fewer internal meetings and a slower pace, your team may have more bandwidth to: 

• + Review resumes more thoughtfully. 

• + Schedule interviews faster. 

• + Make decisions with less internal delay. 

A faster process can be a major competitive advantage in attracting top talent. 

Overcoming Common Objections 

“We’ll wait until fall” 

By then, someone of the best candidates will already be off the market. Hiring now means you’re ahead of the curve. 

“Candidates aren’t looking” 

Job seeker activity doesn’t disappear – it simply shifts. Many candidates appreciate a low-pressure summer conversation that can lead to a fall start date. 

“We’re too short-staffed to hire.” 

That’s all the more reason to prioritize hiring. Filling key roles now prevents burnout and sets your team up for success in the second half of the year. 

Summer hiring isn’t a gamble – it’s a strategic move. When other companies go quiet, your opportunity to stand out grows. By staying active, intentional, and people-focused, you can attract marketing talent that will elevate your team for the months ahead. 

So don’t wait for September to start building your dream team. The best time to hire might just be right now.  

Ready to Start Hiring?

At Smart, Savvy + Associates we recruit marketing, communications, and creative talent for your team so you can stay focused on delivering great work and strong results. Need help filling a role (or two) on your team? Let us take care of it. Contact us to start the recruitment process today.