Answer: While most hiring managers think their timetable to complete a search is unique, it is subject to the realities of when decision-makers have time to complete the process and extend an offer. There really is a cycle.
As we follow the hiring process through the year, here is another blog post about activities in the Year-End rush for hiring that occurs in December through New Year’s Week and the key to scheduling these activities.

CALENDAR – December through New Year’s Week.
EVENTS – Holiday break.

For job seekers, this is the time to attend professional association receptions, contact business associates to meet socially, and prepare to job hunt in the New Year. Do not bring resumes to these events. Exchanging business cards is sufficient and plan to send follow-up notes in the New Year. If there are searches underway, wish the hiring teams holiday greetings and indicate you are looking forward to meeting them in January. Get an early start in that first week to arrange follow-up interviews. Take the initiative to start scheduling meetings by indicating when you are free. Most senior executives take well into the second week of January to begin arranging interviews.

If you are just beginning to consider a job change, take this time to prepare one or more versions of your resume, define your career goals and calculate your total compensation. Think about creating a disciplined approach and plan of action for the first quarter.

JANUARY, a warning about —a potential paradigm shift in hiring organizations and the status of finalist candidates under consideration.

If a search is close to being completed at the end of the year but cannot be concluded, there is the risk of instability and a shift in the New Year. That could change the direction of the search or the level of interest the finalist(s) have in the position. Unexpected leadership changes, business priorities, economic shifts can put a search on “hold”. Finalist candidates may be contacted to consider other opportunities, decide they should interview for them and withdraw from the search. They may receive an especially good bonus with hints a promotion is in offing if they stay with their current employer and put a “hold” on making a move.

If an offer can be made ASAP in the New Year, that may be the best approach to preventing a situation from unraveling.