Why Hiring in Q2 Is Different—And What to Do About It

As the calendar turns to Q2, many companies hit a crucial point in their hiring strategy. It’s a season where speed meets selectivity, and the talent market behaves differently than it did just a few months ago.

If you’re responsible for building out your team, here’s why Q2 hiring stands apart—and how to navigate it successfully.

1. Budgets Are Locked In

By Q2, most organizations have finalized their budgets and know exactly what they can spend. That means hiring decisions can happen faster—but it also means there’s more pressure to get it right the first time.

What to do:
Have your job descriptions tight, your interview process streamlined, and your internal stakeholders aligned. Fast decisions don’t have to mean rushed ones.

2. Teams Are Under Pressure to Perform

With mid-year targets looming, leadership teams are in “execution mode.” Hiring becomes more urgent—but also more focused. Managers are under pressure to add the right person, not just any person.

What to do:
Be crystal clear about what success looks like in the role. Use your hiring process to test for skills and culture fit with intention.

3. Top Talent Is on the Move

Many professionals use Q1 performance reviews as a signal: double down where they are, or start looking elsewhere. Q2 is often when high performers quietly enter the market.

What to do:
Be proactive. If you’re not recruiting, someone else is—possibly your competitors. Partner with a recruiter who knows how to identify and engage passive candidates.

How to Win the Q2 Talent Race

Here are 3 ways smart companies are setting themselves up for hiring success right now:

• Move fast, but stay intentional
  Don’t let great candidates slip through the cracks due to internal delays.
• Lead with your best offer
  The market is still competitive—top candidates often have multiple options.
• Lean on specialized recruiters
  Especially in accounting, finance, and leadership roles, having a partner like Taylor White can mean the difference between an okay hire and a transformational one.

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At Taylor White, we specialize in connecting businesses with top-tier accounting, finance, and executive talent—permanent and fractional. Whether you’re building out a team or need strategic leadership now, we’re here to help you make the right move.