Recruiting Over the Holidays: Why Slowing Down Can Actually Move You Forward

 

The holidays have a way of changing everything at work. Calendars fill up with out-of-office notifications, inboxes slow to a trickle, and hiring plans often get quietly pushed to “after the new year.” For recruiters, it can feel like you’re swimming against the current trying to keep roles moving when everyone else seems to be logging off.

But here’s the thing: recruiting over the holidays isn’t pointless. In many ways, it’s one of the most meaningful times to connect with candidates—if you’re willing to shift how you approach it.

This season is less about speed and more about presence.

Candidates are people first, and during the holidays they’re juggling travel, family, reflection, and exhaustion from a long year. They may not be rushing to accept an offer, but many are thinking deeply about what they want next. That quiet pause at the end of the year often sparks clarity. A recruiter who shows up with curiosity instead of pressure can stand out in a way that’s hard to replicate in the busy months of spring.

Conversations during this time tend to feel different. They’re slower, more thoughtful, and often more honest. Instead of jumping straight into job requirements and timelines, there’s room to talk about goals, values, and what “better” might look like in the year ahead. These aren’t wasted conversations. They’re the ones that build trust and turn into strong hires when January arrives.

Of course, flexibility becomes essential. Interviews might get rescheduled. Responses may take longer than usual. Rather than fighting it, the best recruiters lean into it. A quick note acknowledging the season or offering to reconnect after the holidays can go a long way. It reminds candidates that they’re not just another name in a system—they’re someone whose time is respected.

This is also the season where tone matters more than ever. Cold, automated messages feel especially impersonal when people are winding down and reflecting. A warm, thoughtful check-in can cut through the noise. You don’t need to be overly festive or forced. A simple, genuine message that recognizes the time of year and expresses appreciation is often enough to leave a lasting impression.

Behind the scenes, the holidays offer a rare chance to prepare without pressure. While interviews slow down, recruiters can refine job descriptions, align with hiring managers, and thoughtfully shape their pipelines. It’s quiet work, but it’s powerful. When teams return energized in January, those who used December intentionally are ready to move instead of scrambling to start.

Perhaps the biggest misconception about holiday recruiting is that nothing is happening. In reality, something important is happening—it’s just less visible. Relationships are forming. Trust is being built. Candidates are deciding which companies felt human and which ones disappeared when things got inconvenient.

Recruiting over the holidays isn’t about forcing outcomes before year-end. It’s about showing up with empathy, patience, and intention. The payoff may not come until the new year, but when it does, it’s often stronger because it was built on real connection.

Sometimes, slowing down is exactly what moves hiring forward.