Job hunters shouldn't take break

For more than three decades in the human resource field, Gary Abram has seen a December dip in employers' requests for job candidate searches and a companion dip in hiring.

But his message to job hunters is this: Don't despair.

"January will come and the jets will fire up again," said the managing partner of HCap Search in Kansas City.

Abram says vacations of key managers, holidays and end-of-year budget crimps often cause employers to suspend active recruitment in December.

So it's easy for job hunters to feel bad this month, especially when their financial plight and joblessness run counter to the prevailing shopping and partying.

That's normal and understandable. The stress and sadness can get relief, though, by keeping your focus on the turn of the calendar page.

For reasons both budgetary and psychological, hirers are likely to ramp up again next month. That's why if you're looking for work, you shouldn't stop hunting right now.

"Be realistic in the last few weeks of December, but don't let your activity wane," Abram advises job hunters.

You probably won't get an immediate invitation for an interview.

And you probably won't have a job in hand by New Year's Eve. But you will be in line for consideration.

And you may get noticed sooner because a lot of your competition is taking a break from searching.

Consider that holiday gatherings -- whether in your neighborhood, your church, your extended family, clubs or organizations -- are times to reconnect with or establish a network of contacts who might help you in your job search.

And it's wise to keep your eyes and ears open for news of companies that are relocating or expanding into your area.

Also keep in mind that your most effective job hunt may be to take a part-time or contract job with an organization. That is likely to be your best route to full-time employment if and when the employer is ready to make a commitment.