In this issue:

💥 Recruiting Myths Busted: Recruiting doesn’t pause for the holidays

🎈 Just for Fun: Your 2025 Career Goals

📄 Latest Resources from the Blog: A guide for new managers in the financial sector, Success stories of professionals who have advanced in the industry, Engaging passive talent and prioritizing skills

📌 Featured Career Opportunities

💡 Associate Spotlight: Rita Brannam

📰 Industry News

🔗 Connect With Your Recruiter

💥 Recruiting Myths Busted!

Think everything stops during the holidays? 🎄 Think again! The idea that recruitment pauses in November and December is a common myth. The truth is that the end of the year is full of opportunity for both job seekers and hiring managers.

Companies are often in a crunch to use their recruitment budgets before the year ends. That means they’re in hyper mode to fill key positions. If a hiring manager has a budget left, they’re eager to show that those funds were well-spent. They’re not only hiring to fill seats; they’re setting the stage for next year’s success.

For job seekers, this time of year is prime for making connections. Holiday gatherings are golden opportunities to share your intentions and explore potential referral pathways. Plus, with fewer candidates actively searching, your application gets noticed faster.

So, whether you're a hiring manager or a candidate, don’t let the holidays slow your momentum. Keep exploring and building connections – and jingle all the way to your next big opportunity. 🔔

P.S. Need help navigating the holiday recruiting hustle? Let's connect and make the most of this dynamic season.

🎈 Just For Fun

📄 Latest Resources From the Blog

Revolutionizing Talent Acquisition in 2025: Engaging Passive Talent and Prioritizing Skills

From Alexander Raymond

As 2025 approaches, redefine your talent acquisition strategy to engage passive talent and prioritize skills, ensuring your organization remains competitive and innovative.

Top tips: Engaging passive talent

• Build a strong employer brand: Highlight company values and leverage social media to showcase your culture and mission.

• Offer competitive incentives: Provide tailored compensation, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.

• Cultivate long-term relationships: Use personalized outreach and host industry events to engage potential candidates.

Top tips: Prioritizing skills-based recruitment

• Define key skills: Focus on both hard and soft skills essential for success.

• Utilize assessment tools: Employ skill tests and behavioral interviews to evaluate candidates effectively.

• Invest in upskilling and reskilling: Create programs that enhance your team's skills and foster adaptability.

The role of technology

Technology plays a vital role in streamlining recruitment processes. Leverage AI for candidate sourcing and skills matching, and utilize data-driven insights for performance tracking and optimizing recruitment workflows.

Overcoming challenges

Addressing candidate concerns with transparency about job expectations and company stability is essential. To bridge skills gaps, collaborate with educational partners and focus on internal development programs.

Measuring success

To measure success, track key performance indicators such as time to hire, quality of hire, and candidate experience. Celebrating these achievements recognizes the contributions of new hires and your HR team's efforts.

Future-proofing your workforce

Build resilient teams by emphasizing potential and fostering a culture of continuous learning. Engage leadership to ensure transparent communication and strong support for your workforce.

Dig in to equip your firm for success next year: Revolutionizing Talent Acquisition in 2025: Engaging Passive Talent and Prioritizing Skills >

📌 Featured Career Opportunities

Contact the listed recruiter to learn more about each opportunity.

💡 Associate Spotlight

📰 Industry News

Planners-to-be overwhelmingly want firms emphasizing pro bono work

New research reveals that more than 80% of aspiring CFP professionals consider pro bono policies a key factor in choosing an employer. WealthManagement.com reports that planners under 35 value the opportunity to deliver financial advice across a diverse economic spectrum. Here’s how to leverage this insight. >

CFA designation still in demand for hiring as fewer pursue it

Despite a registration drop, the CFA remains crucial for aspiring portfolio managers, as it signals commitment and expertise in advanced financial topics. Read the report from InvestmentNews.com. >

🔗 Connect With Your Recruiter

👋🏼 About Connective Services

Connective Services is a newsletter brought to you by Financial Recruiters International and Alexander Raymond. Both firms are full-cycle recruiting companies connecting fiduciary services organizations with highly skilled candidates. Financial Recruiters International serves the financial sector while Alexander Raymond specializes in insurance and contract staffing.