15 million americans out of work, competition is fierce. >> people aren't hiring at the end of it have year, january maybe a little more likely, february will be when we see when they're confident enough to start hiring. >> 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 looking for a job relative to those openings. >> 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. >> please don't bring family members or friends with you to an interview. >> reeves wants you to beat out three people to be that one. >> 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. >> reporter: according to consumer reports, americans will spend on average 15 hours at holiday gatherings this year. etiquette expert peter post says