The winter holidays are almost upon us and although you’ve been actively seeking for a new employment opportunity, now you’re putting your Search on pause. After all, companies take a rest too, right?

Not quite. Don’t slow down your Job Search because recruiters are still on the haunt! Moreover, the pre-holiday and post-holiday time is ideal for intensifying job search for two main reasons: less competition which leads to higher employer desperation. That means you have a competitive advantage from the start and it would be a real shame not to turn the tables into your favor.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Use Down Time to Work on Your Resume

Start by dusting off your old resume. Be sure to update it with your latest professional experiences, skills and achievements. Change your picture if you feel it doesn’t do you justice. Ask your current peers or former employers for recommendations to add to your resume. Bring it all together in a nicely wrapped shape – just like a Christmas present that you’re ready to hand out!

Quick tip:

Just like me, you probably have multiple resumes uploaded on different online job search sites that you never find the time and energy to update, step-by-step. Now’s the perfect moment to revamp all of them with one hit! Once you have created the best version of your resume, copy-paste it on all active job search accounts.

2. Connect And Re-Connect Online

Active or passive job seeker, you must surely have a presence in Social Media. Take the time to polish and optimize your online presence, especially when talking about your LinkedIn profile. Invest a little of your free holiday time to add any kind of missing information: social media accounts, volunteering actions or supported organizations, personal interests and hobbies, affiliations with professional associations, publications, test scores, anything you believe can set you apart from other candidates.

After prepping up your profile account, plan your next move: expand your connections’ network. It’s a known fact that online visibility is directly influenced by the number of connections you have. The more, the merrier! Reply to all unread LinkedIn messages lingering in your Inbox, accept requests and add new connections that interest you. It’s that easy!

Quick tip:

Conquer your connections, one endorsement at the time. This might sound strange, but it actually works. If you endorse your LinkedIn friends, they will notice, remember and endorse you back. It’s a win-win situation!

3. Send out Holiday Greeting Cards

The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to send thank you cards to the people that made a difference in your professional path: former bosses, co-workers, customers, or any other relevant business contacts. A simple, tasteful and heartwarming holiday card is also a great way to follow up with recruiters and hiring managers with whom you have dialogued in the past.

If you don’t feel comfortable with sending traditional handwritten printed cards, you can always go for ecards. It’s a free, fast, fun and easy manner to make a positive impression!

Quick tip:

You can intensify your efforts to land an interview within a company, if you send recruiters holiday cards, along with your professional contact details. The card will act as an ice-breaker, reminding the targeted recruiter that you’re still very much interested in their job opening(s).

4. Get Social and Seek Out Job Leads

Employment opportunities might appear when you least expect which is why you should never turn down the possibility to mingle and network. Holiday work parties, family gatherings, community events, any kind of social gathering has the potential to bring you new, exciting job leads.

The great thing about socializing during holiday events is that you don’t even have to try too hard. Whenever you have the chance, just delicately slip in the idea that you are currently looking for new job opportunities and that you’re feeling read to take on new challenges.

Quick tip:

If you have a friend or a relative who works for one of your target employers, there’s no better time to ask them for a contact name and number, or even a recommendation. You never know when and where opportunity arises!

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Remember: just because the holidays are almost here, doesn’t mean companies stop hiring. And you shouldn’t slow down your job hunt either. Stay focused on your career goals and be hiring ‘ready’ no matter the season! 

This article was originally published on LinkedIn.