Many job seekers make the mistake of taking December off thinking that nothing happens until after the first of the year. Not true. I’ve had clients receive job offers on December 23. Here are some ideas for keeping your job search active this month.



Dec. 1: Check your supply of business cards; if you are running low, order more. If you don’t have one, create one. It should represent you as the quality candidate you are.



Dec. 2: Review your calendar and schedule holiday parties and events.



Dec. 3: Practice an upbeat, interesting introduction.



Dec. 4: Anticipate the job-related questions you’ll be asked at holiday events and develop a strategy for responding to them.



Dec. 5: Make a list of your contacts; include family, friends, colleagues and business associates.



Dec. 6: Draft a warm, personal holiday networking letter; people expect you to be in touch so don’t disappoint them. Start with a seasonal greeting, inquire about them, give a brief update on your life and work, and then close by mentioning that you will call soon to catch up.



Dec. 7: Send the “Let’s catch up” networking letter to the first ten people on your list. Whenever possible send it by snail mail.



Dec. 8: Update your resume to reflect recent accomplishments.



Dec. 9: Create a one-page networking brief that you can use to guide networking conversations.



Dec. 10: Schedule two networking meetings this week.



Dec. 11: Check out career resources available at your alma mater.



Dec. 12: Write an impact letter to the hiring manager at a target company; outline your ideas for contributing to the company’s success. Ask for a meeting.



Dec. 13: Create a leave-behind in preparation for your next interview. Send your networking letter to ten people.



Dec. 14: Schedule a meeting with a new contact for the first week of January. This will get the New Year off to a great start.



Dec. 15: Volunteer to be a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. Helping others is a great way to remind yourself of what is working in your life.



Dec. 16: Update your LinkedIn profile; include industry-related key words.



Dec. 17: Follow up with three new people you met at recent events.



Dec. 18: Schedule a coffee with a business associate for the second week of January.



Dec. 19: Send your networking letter to ten people.



Dec. 20: Follow up on resumes you sent this week. People do get hired during the holidays!



Dec. 21: Call to catch up with colleagues. Make a date to meet in January.



Dec. 22: Gather competitive intelligence on three companies. Look for a connection within your network.



Dec. 23: Send a thank you note to the hostess of the event you attended last night.



Dec. 24: Bag groceries at a food bank or otherwise assist those in need. Use the opportunity to network with new people.



Dec. 25: Celebrate your blessings with family and friends or volunteer at a soup kitchen.



Dec. 26: List your 2014 goals and make a plan to achieve them.



Dec. 27: Share your goals with a coach who will hold you accountable for achieving them.



Dec. 28: Invite the folks you’ve met this month to connect on LinkedIn.



Dec. 29: Update your “Top 5 Reasons to Hire Me” list so you ready to roll January 2.



Dec. 30: Create a collage that captures your goals in pictures. Post it in a prominent place.



Dec. 31: Celebrate! You’ve worked hard this year.