GUEST AUTHOR BLOG: The 12 Days of Job Search by William Holland author of "Cracking the New Job Market: The 7 Rules for Getting Hired in Any Economy."

Conventional wisdom and tradition has it that the holidays are a terrible time to look for work.

Why?-because:

-Everything slows down, except shopping.
-Hiring activity all but stops.
-Business offices only focus on holiday parties.
-Hiring activity won’t pick up again until well into the New Year.

DON’T BELIEVE IT!

The holidays are an excellent time to press forward and pick up the pace of your search.

Here’s why:

1. As other job seekers slow their activity, you and/or your resume may stand out in a less crowded applicant pool.
2. If—and that’s a big “if”—fewer jobs are being filled, it only takes one job offer to meet your needs.
3. There will be some percentage of head hunters (especially those with type “A” personalities) who will work through the holidays looking to find that one great candidate who meets their specifications. That could be you.
4. Don’t let the momentum of your job search sag. Why waste that time.
5. The holidays are a good time to build relationships and meet new people—especially at those ever-present office parties. If you get invited, attend.
6. People may not be in their offices, but research shows they will still be at their computers. The holidays are a good time to reach out to them electronically.
7. The holidays are also a good time to explore other job search methods you may have been reluctant until now to try. Begin to do some blogging. Spread the word about your search to an even wider audience. Who knows?
8. Go back and touch base with those you contacted early in your job search. Remember, for most people it is out-of-sight-out-of-mind. Providing them with a friendly upbeat update of you activities is a reminder you are still looking.
9. It is important to remain positive. Staying focused on your search, is one way to accomplish that.
10. Remember those 15 or so people you can’t stand and would never give the satisfaction of telling them you are looking for work? Go back and touch base. Let them know of your search. You might be pleasantly surprised.
11. In the spirit of reaching out for the holidays convert contacts to connections on LinkedIn.
12. The key to success in the new job market is to create value for others. Focus on helping others fulfill their job and career aspirations—it’s good for the soul and can pay great dividends.

Okay—so I never got to 12 drummers drumming. But I gave you what may help your job search stay on point. Besides, during last holiday season, it worked for a surprising number of job seekers.

R. William Holland, PH.D., is the author of "Cracking the New Job Market: The 7 Rules for Getting Hired in Any Economy." He is a veteran human resources executive, is founder and principal of R. William Holland Consulting, LLC, specializing in career management and is also senior vice president at BeamPines, a leadership development, assessment, and coaching firm.

Email me at — And follow me on Twitter @BullishonBooks