With the exception of the week between December 25th and January 1st, executive candidates should keep up the job search pace and not wait until January to initiate a new career campaign. So the answer is NO! Many opportunities may be missed during late November through December. You don’t want to kick yourself later saying. “I could have been hired, only if…..” Companies that are considering hiring campaigns in the new year (January through March are the months with highest hiring average) start now with their strategies, posting positions, and gearing up hiring agents and staff to start the resume review and interview process.

If you don’t have time to continue your job search strategies in full force during the busy holiday time, consider these as must do’s:

1. Continue networking. People tend to be more social around the holidays and networking is key. Use holiday parties and other social events to keep in touch. It could be as simple as a neighborhood get together, professional association holiday party or your favorite sports group potluck. There are always plenty of holiday celebrations and fundraisers where you can create new connections and nurture ongoing friendships. Social events are great opportunities to connect and could lead to job opportunities in the future.

2. Give back. Especially at this time of year think of ways you can help others. Look for occasions to connect people with one another, or with a charity or foundation that may appeal to them. Be a resource by forwarding an article, white paper or special report that contains valuable information (business or personal) that would be appealing to your connections. This can make you memorable as a “go-to” person who is helpful.

3. Career tune-up. Is your resume up-to-date? LinkedIn profile fine-tuned and keyword searchable? Do you have your career action plan in order? Do you have your interview techniques and salary negotiation points practiced and perfected? Do you feel confident and prepared? Now is a good time to look at these questions carefully and put steps into place to take action.

Don’t wait until January and take the chance of being left behind your competition. Continue preparing and moving forward with job search strategies through the end of the year. You still have time to take advantage of the last few weeks of 2011. When the holidays are over and you are face-to-face with 2012, you will thank yourself and ultimately outshine the competitors who are unprepared to jump into the New Year.