It may be almost time to hang up the Christmas stockings – but not the job search.

Resist that temptation. Smart job seekers will jump in first thing Monday with a clear plan of action for the next six weeks, experts say.

Following that strategy paid off for Katherine Smith – twice. She landed a job on Dec. 18, 2006. After that job ended, she vigorously pursued leads during December 2007 and landed her current position as sales executive for Paragon Innovations, an engineering firm, early in 2008.

"The budget may not be there to hire you until January or February, but if you stay at it during the month of December, you've built a relationship by that time," she said.

Ms. Smith, who also leads a ministry called Career Jump-Start for job seekers at First United Methodist Church in Richardson, says that many people back off from job hunting efforts during the holidays.

"But if you go forward, you're unique," she said. "And to get noticed by an employer, you have to be unique."

Although it's tough out there, there are jobs to be found.

"I don't know any big companies that are hiring 1,500 people right now," said Paula Calise, principal of Calise & Co., a Dallas executive search firm. "But I do know of 1,500 companies that are hiring a few people." Ms. Calise informally surveyed local executives in her network; most reported plans to hire in the next few months.

One of those companies is OsteoMed, a manufacturer of surgical devices based in Addison.

"We don't slow down during the holidays at all," said Walt Humann, OsteoMed's chief executive. "The offer may not go out until after the holidays, but we're working now so that we'll be in a position to get new people online quickly."

OsteoMed is growing rapidly, Mr. Humann says; plans are under way not only to hire for current needs, but also to find top people who become available during the downturn.

"It's a great opportunity to assess the talent pool and take advantage of the opportunities," he said.

The holiday season also presents once-a-year opportunities for job seekers. Busy executives may slow down a bit and give your résumé a second look. Many job seekers will find hiring managers' "gatekeepers" in a more generous and festive spirit.

"Part of a successful job search involves standing out from the competition," says Ursula Averett, OsteoMed's human resource director. "During December, the competition is lower."

Here are some pointers from Paula Calise of Calise & Co. executive search firm to help you make the most of next month in your job search.

Make your "one-minute introduction." Prepare a short description of what you have to offer as a professional and what you are looking for that's suitable for sharing in social situations. Do it in one minute, do not drone on and be upbeat within reason. Be careful to avoid being a wet blanket; don't make your job search sound like a sob story.

Socialize. Head to holiday parties, end-of-semester school activities and the like. Mingle and graciously tell your story.

Carry your cards. Take your personal business cards with you everywhere, exchange cards with people you meet, then follow up with a call or e-mail as soon as possible. When you follow up, restate your one-minute introduction and ask for an opportunity to meet again soon.

Volunteer. It's a good chance to network and to feel good about yourself – always important during a job search. And you'll probably encounter people who have it tougher than you, so you're likely to be grateful for what you have.

Mary Jacobs

Looking for a job? You're not alone. Job cuts are expected to surpass 1 million in the U.S. by the end of 2008. Here's a way to get some free professional advice.

Challenger, Gray and Christmas, a national outplacement consulting firm, will suspend normal operations Dec. 29 and 30 to take phone calls from anyone needing job search advice. The annual two-day national job search call-in will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

The number to call (it's not toll-free) is 312-332-5790.