"No one hires right now."

"People are too busy to interview candidates."

"I might as well take a break and resume my job search for real in January."

All of the above statements are myths about this time of year. This is now a marvelous time to continue your searching and your networking.

The main reasons to keep your job search going continuously during the holidays are:

- Staying in contact with others at this time of the year is uplifting for you
- You'll meet with less resistance at this time of year
- Going to the many social events this time of year is great for networking
- Now is when companies often discover they can do hiring, before the quarter or annual business year closes
- The week between Christmas and New Year's Day can be quiet in many offices, so your call might actually be answered by the exact person you're trying to reach (YES, you can call your target person -- the phone still is a great tool in job search!)
- You'll have a head start on your competition who are probably postponing their search for January 3rd. Why wait?

A December networking tip: Don't insist on a meeting right now. If the person is harried at this time of year, get their OK to contact them at a time and day they name, and ask if it would help to send them a reminder "via email tomorrow". Chances are they'll readily agree to that. And they'll appreciate your thoughtfulness.

So you're in a job you hate, and quitting sounds better than staying. "Anything is better than this", you tell everyone.

Or you've been out of work for a year now, or more, or close to it. Unemployment funds are ending soon or are now exhausted, and you're thinking "To heck with my 'career', at this point, I'll take anything!"

Not so fast. Here are three reasons to not "take just anything" -- and one possible reason that you might.

Working with so many wonderful people in job search this year, both employed and looking as well as those of you between jobs, has been a gift. Getting to know you one-to-one, and getting to know all that you have to offer, along with your determination and spirit, has been moving and inspiring. Thank you for your trust in having me partner with you!

And for those of you in Face2Face, you have created a special and very welcoming atmosphere for so many in search. And those who have heard me speak to their groups, I'm so glad to have met you. To my business partners and fellow business networkers, what would I do without you!

Result: Those of you in good searches have "come down from the tree", just like those proverbial cats, and you're now in positions doing something more fulfilling and more in line with what YOU want! Congratulations to all clients who landed this year, and those of you still working on a search, know that YOU, too, will come down from the tree -- because some lucky employer out there needs you. Keep up your good search work and they will find you!

Our wishes for you are for a peaceful holiday season, with quiet time for yourself and time spent with family and friends.

And if you are able, please support one of our favorite causes, Heifer International, which helps people in the US and around the world lead independent, self-sufficient, healthier lives. Thank you!