Whether you’re looking for a seasonal job to make some extra money for yourself, or to help pay for those gifts you plan to put under your tree, there are some things you can do to get a leg up on other seasonal job seekers. From knowing how to begin your seasonal job search, to knowing which stores or locations are your best bet for getting hired, you will have a better chance at landing a seasonal job if you follow some of these tips.
Start Looking for a Seasonal Job Online
If your head is spinning just thinking about where to look for a seasonal job, you can begin your search online. One option is to check the sites of specific companies you’d like to work for and see which openings they have available. Another option is to visit sites designed for job searches, such as CareerBuilder and Monster.
Michael Erwin, senior career adviser with CareerBuilder, recommends using social media to help you in your search. Use the Internet as a starting point and then expand to face-to-face visits to businesses to ask about openings and begin the application process. And, of course, no matter where you apply, you’ll want to be sure your resume is up-to-date and clearly highlights the customer service experience that will make you are great fit for these positions.
Know Where to Look
Sometimes, landing a seasonal job is as simple as looking in the right places. Certainly, big retail chains like Target and Wal-Mart need lots of extra help for the holiday season. These retail sales jobs are plentiful from September through January in most parts of the country. If you’re willing to be flexible, you may be able to work overnight stocking shelves or emptying delivery trucks for one of these big-box stores.
Other retailers, especially party suppliers and holiday decoration stores like Party City and Michael’s, need seasonal workers as well. Of course, toy stores such as Toys “R” Us and HobbyTown USA, are busier during the holiday season and need seasonal help. Restaurants also typically are busier during the holiday season and often need seasonal workers, too. Consider chain restaurants that would be selling gift cards and hosting large parties when searching for a seasonal job, as they are more likely to need extra help during the holidays.
But, don’t forget that seasonal job opportunities also are available outside of retail, such as at shipping companies like UPS and FedEx. Other seasonal jobs are available through the U.S. Postal Service, as substitute carriers and additional carriers are needed to handle the extra mail during the holiday season.
Consider a Specialized Job
You may not think about taxes in November, but tax services like Jackson Hewitt and H&R Block do. They begin interviewing and hiring temporary tax preparers long before tax season. And, they offer training programs so that you don’t need to have any prior experience or qualifications in order to apply.
Inquire at Entertainment Venues
Entertainment venues such as zoos and arboretums often host holiday events that require extra help. You may be able to land a seasonal job in security, ticket taking, serving, etc. in one of these locations, or in a museum that sees more traffic as students enjoy their holiday break.
Another entertainment venue that often hires seasonal help is movie theaters. Typically, blockbusters and family movies are released during the holiday season, and families spend more time together during the holidays as well. This translates to more ticket sales at the movies, so you could be hired to work the refreshment stand, to take tickets, or to clean up after moviegoers this holiday season.
Consider Working From Home
There has been a big boom in working from home lately, and seasonal workers can enjoy working from home, too. Customer service organizations and call centers typically get much more traffic during the holiday season, and companies need to hire virtual seasonal workers to handle the demand. Some people prefer these seasonal jobs because of the flexible hours, lack of physical work, and career potential.
If you aren’t having much luck after asking about open seasonal jobs or submitting applications, don’t be afraid to follow up and be persistent. Other seasonal workers may leave positions if they don’t like their jobs, and businesses often need to hire more seasonal help after the first round of hires. Follow these tips, keep at it, and you’ll land a seasonal job of your own.
