Would a new job make a good present?

• Position: Career change - Brief article

Every year, as the holidays approach, most job seekers and career changers make the mistake of halting all their efforts. They believe there is no point in pursuing new opportunities during this season, and that nobody is making hiring decisions until January, so, "Why bother?"

"Become a contrarian and do what all the other job seekers are not doing," suggests Ford R. Myers, president of Career Potential, LLC, an executive career consulting firm based in Radnor, Pa. Myers' holiday tips for the "career savvy" include:

* Business is all about establishing relationships and relationships are developed in social settings. During the holidays, most people naturally are more convivial and generous in spirit. There simply is no better time to solidify existing relationships and forge new ones.

* There are many networking events in December, such as holiday parties and end-of-the-year fundraisers. Book sales, holiday fairs, and other celebrations make this the best time of year for productive networking.

* Small...