New Year's Eve is hot for job seekers.

People say the end of the year is a bad time to job hunt, but a recent study suggests otherwise. HR management consulting firm Goodrich and Sherman Associates reports that the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's is one of the best times to find a job.

Many professionals quit in December and plan to start fresh with new jobs in early January. And most try to give their two-week notice at the start of the month, so that they can take a break over the holiday season. HR is usually in full recruiting mode, especially if budget approvals expire at the end of the year.

Though it’s tempting to put off the job search until after all the holiday shopping, cooking, tree trimming and entertainment is done, you’d be well-advised to keep sending out those resumes. Because so many people put their job searches on hold during the holidays, there’s usually less competition. Plus, interviews may be a bit more relaxed than usual because everyone’s in the holiday mood -- especially if they’ve just received their year-end bonuses.

So if you’re in the job market and you’re party-hopping this holiday season, try networking your way into a new position for the New Year. Accept as many invitations as possible, and don’t avoid friends’ parties if you happen to be unemployed. Take advantage of the relaxed, chatty mood, and meet as many people as you can. Don’t forget to bring business cards and a pen. If you’re going to an industry association party or a similar business-oriented event, you might bring along a few copies of your resume, but don’t plan on handing them out to everyone you meet. If you're unemployed, and have no business cards, you should still ask people for theirs.

And now for the hard part: Despite what your mother may have told you all your life, it’s time to start talking to strangers. Don’t spend the whole night chatting with people you know -- though it’s important touch base with people you haven’t seen in a while. Ask friends to introduce you to new people, or sit next to someone and strike up a conversation. If you wait for others to initiate, you may wait forever. Tell yourself that every person at this party is a potentially important contact. "Shake as many hands and meet as many people as you can," says Mindy Franklin, a vice president of sales at a small company in Manhattan, "you never know who will be able to help you out, or put you in touch with someone who can."

"If I’m at a social event and there’s someone I’d really like to meet, I just go up and introduce myself," Ms. Franklin says. To keep the conversation going, "ask a lot of questions about what they do, how they got involved in their particular business, and what their company is like." If you can contribute something pertinent, do so. For example, maybe you read an article they would be interested in reading, or you know of a newsletter they might want to sign up for. Offer to e-mail them the information -- this is a great way to network, especially when you’re doing the offering. If you feel that you’ve built a good repertoire with the person, mention that you’re looking for a job, and ask if you can send them your resume. "If they can help you, they probably will, if not, they might have a contact that can help you," Ms. Franklin says.

No matter how successful an evening of schmoozing, it means nothing unless you follow up. E-mail is perfect for this type of contact. Reintroduce yourself with a short, well-written note within a few days of meeting. Try to avoid the standard: "Nice meeting you, looking forward to talking to you soon" message. You took this person’s card for a reason -- mention something you discussed, or send a link to an article or newsletter you think they can use. If you’re sending your resume, remember to thank them for taking the time to do you this favor. Once you do get a job, keep good contacts updated on your situation, whether or not they, or their advice, helped you at all. Good luck, good cheer, and happy hunting!

-- Ms. Scott is a senior writer at Vault.com, a research and recruitment service for job hunters in New York City.