Are you looking for work? Since the holiday season spells vacation time for companies and businesses across the country, there is a common misconception that December is the worst time to look for a job. While many job-seekers temporarily forget about updating their resumes in the presence of a holiday turkey, the truth is that the holidays are the best time to look for a job!

The truth is that lots of big companies frequently hire during the holidays! After all, the needs that drive hiring—growing markets, competitive pressures, and consumer demand—don’t take a break. So for those of you who keep plugging away at the job search, the additional job opportunities and prospects might be well worth your effort!

Why put your search on hold when thousands of other Americans are doing the same thing? While the other job-searchers are busy with holiday festivities, be the first to apply for a job by sneaking in some time after dinner to see who is hiring. Check out our top five reasons to focus on an active job search during this Thanksgiving weekend:

1. Less competition – since many people take a break from searching for jobs over the holidays, this provides savvy job-seekers a good opportunity to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Additionally, many people who are looking to switch jobs stay put during the holiday season in order to receive their annual bonuses and vacation time that they have earned throughout the year. So, now is the best time to act!

2. Hiring managers are easier to reach – the people who make the hiring decisions at big firms are actually less likely to be taking their vacation time during the holidays. Instead, they’re generally focused on finishing projects for the end of the year, cleaning out old files, and attending holiday gatherings. This is all good news for job-seekers since hiring managers are more likely to read their resumes during the early winter months!

3. Never underestimate the holiday spirit – use the seasonal goodwill to your advantage when scheduling job interviews. Work typically slows down during the holidays, so employers will be more willing to take the time to meet with you. Continue to network during Thanksgiving break because short discussions are more likely to blossom into long-term opportunities once work picks up again.

4. Get a head-start on next year’s hiring – people who begin their new jobs at the start of the New Year had to go on interviews in November or December, not in January. Many companies review their staffing needs shortly after January 1st, so you’ll want to get a head start in case a job opening comes up!

5. Avoid getting lost in the big resume pile – people generally get a jump on searching for jobs right after the holidays end. This means employers will see a huge influx of resumes in their inboxes right after New Year’s career resolutions start to take effect. So, try to get the attention of hiring managers before they get completely inundated with cover letters!

If you’re going to be busy job-searching this holiday season, remember to take some time for yourself and your family. Don’t forget to relax and enjoy the festivities, so you’ll be ready to hit the ground running once you’re happy and well-fed!