Springboard for Change: Why May Is the Perfect Time to Rethink Your Talent Strategy

As the days grow longer and the chill of winter fades into memory, May arrives with a sense of optimism and momentum. It’s a time of year that feels full of possibility—and for businesses, it offers a valuable window to pause, reflect, and prepare.

At Talent Search, we often describe May as a “springboard month”—a time to build on the energy of the season and set the stage for a strong second half of the year. With Q1 performance now fully digested and Q2 plans underway, many organisations are revisiting their goals and evaluating the teams they need to make them happen.

If you’ve been thinking about making a new hire, rebalancing your existing team, or simply reassessing how your business approaches talent, May might just be the perfect time to act. Here’s why.

A Seasonal Reset with Strategic Benefits

Spring has long been associated with renewal—and not just in gardens and wardrobes. There’s something about this season that invites a fresh perspective. The buzz of activity post-Easter brings with it a renewed focus in the workplace, as businesses shake off the slower pace of winter and re-engage with plans, priorities, and performance.

May, in particular, is a sweet spot. It’s late enough in the year to see patterns emerging from Q1 and early Q2, but early enough to course-correct if needed. Decisions made now can still have a meaningful impact by year-end, making it the ideal time to assess whether your current team structure is setting you up for success.

Hiring for Adaptability in a Changing Market

The creative and marketing industries continue to evolve rapidly. From the rise of AI-generated content to shifting consumer behaviours, today’s professionals are navigating more change than ever before.

That’s why adaptability has become one of the most sought-after traits in the talent market. It’s no longer just about hiring for technical skill; it’s about identifying individuals who are resilient, proactive, and willing to learn and grow alongside your business.

Whether you're hiring for a digital-first content role, a branding expert, or a strategic marketing lead, consider how well potential candidates are equipped to handle change—not just today, but in the months and years to come.

Aligning Talent with Q3–Q4 Goals

Hiring in May allows you to look ahead strategically. With the right onboarding timeline, new team members brought on now can be up to speed by July or August—just in time to hit the ground running in Q3 and Q4.

This matters because the latter half of the year is often where the real momentum builds. Many businesses find themselves launching major campaigns in the autumn, closing year-end targets, or preparing for festive season activity. Having the right people in place before the summer slowdown hits ensures your team is prepared, not scrambling.

If you've identified skill gaps, team imbalances, or growth opportunities in the early part of the year, now is the time to act.

Capitalising on Post-Easter Momentum

We consistently see an uptick in both job seeker activity and client hiring decisions during the weeks following Easter. Decision-makers return from the break with fresh energy, and candidates are often more open to new opportunities after spending time reflecting on their current roles.

This creates a fertile environment for both hiring and being hired. If you're a business looking to attract top talent, May is a great time to put your best foot forward. The market is active, attention spans are sharper, and the summer holidays haven’t yet made calendars impossible to coordinate.

Likewise, candidates are more likely to be in a responsive, open mindset—making it easier to engage meaningfully with the right people.

Finding the Right Fit – Not Just the Fast Hire

Of course, hiring in May isn’t just about speed—it’s about getting the fit right. That means thinking not only about your business needs today, but also about the direction you want to grow in.

Do you need someone to bring energy and innovation into your team? Are you seeking someone who can steady the ship and deliver consistent, reliable output? Are you hiring for short-term needs, or are you making an investment in your future leadership team?

At Talent Search, we work closely with our clients to understand not just the role, but the person behind it—the culture, the ambition, the long-term vision. This helps ensure that every hire is a meaningful one.

Support for Every Stage of the Journey

Whether you’re looking for a senior marketing strategist, a hands-on creative, or interim support for a big pitch or campaign, we’re here to help. We understand the nuances of hiring in creative and marketing sectors—whether agency-side, in-house, freelance, or permanent—and we know how to connect businesses with the talent that drives results.

We also appreciate that not every company has a dedicated HR function or a clear recruitment roadmap. If you’re unsure where to start, we’re always happy to have a chat, ask the right questions, and guide you through the process with a warm, friendly, and no-pressure approach.

Final Thoughts

May is more than just another month on the calendar. It’s a strategic turning point—a chance to reassess, refocus, and make smart hiring decisions that can set the tone for the rest of the year.

If you're feeling that it might be time to rethink your team structure, fill a gap, or bring in fresh energy, don’t wait until autumn. Use the spring momentum to your advantage.

Let’s make this May matter

Whether you're hiring now or planning ahead, we’d love to help you find the perfect fit. Get in touch with Talent Search today and let’s talk talent.