For job seekers facing the holiday season with a little anxiety, it’s important to remember that you should neither stop your job search nor forgo the holiday festivities.  If you want to get an edge on the competition you should continue your job search, but on a smaller scale. Here are a few ways to spice up you job search while making the most of this holiday season:

Make a holiday job search plan.  This plan should set aside specific times to send out resumes, look for job postings and attend networking events.  Remember, you probably don’t want to send out resumes on Christmas Day or while family and friends and outside your door having a party. That would make you a “scrooge.” Instead, you may want to send out resumes for a few days before the holiday and right after, while still setting aside time to spend exclusively with your friends and family.

Take the time out to attend legal industry related holiday events and parties. These parties can be great opportunities to network and begin building the relationships you need in your job search.  You can also send out holiday greeting cards to renew old connections. And yes, it is okay to send an electronic card; but a paper card (via snail mail) is more likely to get seen. Avoid the temptation of mentioning your job search in a holiday card. But it’s okay to follow-up after the holiday for job referrals.

Spend a day or two volunteering for a worthy cause.  Volunteer opportunities are a great way to meet new and interesting people who may be able to help you with your job search. Also, sometimes volunteer opportunities turn into paying jobs.