Trying to Nab a Job? Do it Tactfully
CHETRY: Busy in the control room this morning. Well, if you or someone you know is out of work, holiday cheer may be in short supply. But right now is actually the perfect time to step up your search for a job.</s>JOHNS: Christine Romans author of "Smart is the New Rich" explains why job seekers can't afford to take a break during the holidays.</s>CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Career coach Ellen Gordon Reeves wants you to get a job for Christmas.</s>ELLEN GORDON REEVES, CAREER COACH: People might think that December is not a great time to look for a job. The reality is if you're job hunting all you need is one job.</s>ROMANS: No question. With more than 15 million Americans out of work, competition is fierce. (on camera): People aren't really hiring at the end of the year. January maybe a little more likely. February, maybe will be when we see when employers are really confident enough to start hiring.</s>BILL RODGERS, ECONOMIST, RUTGERS UNIVERSITY: In terms of career openings, it's broad-based all throughout the economy, all sectors have openings. The challenge becomes because the number of people who are looking for a job relative to those openings.</s>ROMANS (voice-over): That number is now 4.4 job seekers for every available opening. Sounds daunting but it's the best it's been in two years.</s>REEVES: Please don't bring family or friends with you to an interview.</s>ROMANS: Reeves wants you to beat out three people to be that one.</s>REEVES: If you can get yourself invited to someone's office party as a plus one, fabulous, especially if it's a company or organization you want to get inside. Have a party, have a pot luck, it doesn't have to be expensive. But you've got to be out there connecting with people.</s>ROMANS: According to Consumer Reports, Americans will spend on average 15 hours at holiday gatherings this year. Etiquette expert Peter Post says it doesn't have to be gauche to network for a job at the parties.</s>PETER POST, DIRECTOR, EMILY POST INSTITUTE: Tact, honesty. You show restraint. At the same time you're honest about your situation. And all of a sudden it's amazing how people will open up, listen and offer to help you.</s>ROMANS: Bottom line, there are plenty of opportunities to network for a job this season. Just do it tactfully or don't do it at all. Christine Romans, CNN, New York.</s>JOHNS: Top stories coming your way right after the break.</s>CHETRY: Including the latest on the snow out there everywhere. Fifty-five minutes past the hour.</s>JOHNS: Cold.</s>CHETRY: It is.