Navigate Job Offers and Interviews During the Holiday Weeks with a Communication Plan

I’m already noticing alerts in email signature blocks about planned time off over the holiday weeks.  And, I’ve received two notices about company closures from Monday, December 22, through Friday, January 2.   

Bottom line: a lot of decision-makers will be offline between December 22 and January 2.

However, many job searches don’t pause for the holidays. Offers are still extended, conflicts continue to run, and interviews remain on the calendar—even during this so-called “slow period.”  Because of that, maintaining clear, proactive communication is especially critical during this time of year.

Below are a few common holiday-season scenarios I see every year that highlight why candidates need a communication plan (including backup contacts) before the holiday slowdown begins.

Scenario 1: Accepted Offer — But Conflicts Haven’t Cleared

You’ve accepted an offer and are set to start your new role on January 5, 2026. But, let’s say conflicts haven’t cleared as of December 23.

• What if your primary contact at the firm is out the weeks of December 22 and December 29?  Who is your point of contact for approving a delayed start date, if needed?
• What about giving notice to your current firm once conflicts clear?  Will the appropriate people be around during the holiday weeks?  Do you have a plan for giving notice and resigning? 

Scenario 2: Written Offer With an Imminent Response Deadline — While You’re Still Interviewing

You’ve received a written offer with a response deadline of December 24, but you’re still interviewing elsewhere.

• Do you know whether those other firms (where you are interviewing) can realistically make a decision before December 24?
• Will your contacts at those firms be out of the office during that window?
• Will your external recruiter or point of contact at the firm with the offer be around in case you need to request an extension of the deadline to respond to the offer? 

Scenario 3: Interview Scheduled During a Holiday Week

You’re scheduled to interview on Friday, December 26.

• Is your recruiter working that week and available to prepare you?
• If not, is there a backup person to step in?
• Who will confirm with the firm that the interview is still on, particularly during a holiday week when calendars can change quickly?

Final Takeaway

If you are a candidate in the INTERVIEW or OFFER stage of a job search, communication planning is essential as we move into the holiday weeks. Knowing who is available, who is not, and who serves as a backup can prevent unnecessary stress, delays, and missteps—at a time when timing matters most.