When you're looking for a job, the holidays may seem like a time to take a break. But if you do, you may miss the employment opportunity you've been waiting for. Why is the off season of job searching actually a hidden opportunity to become employed?

Searching from Thanksgiving to the middle of January provides many unique opportunities, says Donna Dessart, director of Career Services at The Art Institute of California, San Francisco.

Reduced competition from those individuals who stop their job search at this time, and the need for some employers to spend their end of the year budgets or gear up for the new year favor the active job searcher. What's more is this festive season is an ideal time to be social, get organized and keep motivated.

Here are some useful tips on how to keep the job search momentum going:

Seek out and attend as many events as you can fit in your calendar:

Network with family friends, alumni and acquaintances at holiday events. You never know where the next job lead will come from.

Send holiday cards with your business card to hiring managers where you've interviewed:

Many decision makers are in the office during the holidays.

Take on seasonal work to get your foot in the door at a company:

Temporary agencies also see an increase in employer requests as companies struggle to complete annual goals and enable employees to use their vacation time.

Utilize social media:

During downtime, join LinkedIn groups related to your field, introduce yourself and let them know you are looking for work.