A seasonal job can be a great way to earn some extra cash, score a discount at your favorite retailer or add some experience to your resume. Here are 10 tips for getting a seasonal job.
1. Be Professional. Competition is intense for seasonal jobs, so treat applying for seasonal work just as you would applying for full-time work. Dress appropriately (even if you are only coming in to fill out an application), be on time if you have an appointment, and speak and behave professionally.
2. Be Flexible. The ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays and the willingness to fill in on short notice can be a big help in landing a seasonal job.
3. Look in all the Right Places. If you’ve had a seasonal job before, start your search there. Assuming you performed well and were reliable, your experience and knowledge of the business should give you an edge over other applicants. Also, supplement direct applications at retailers and businesses with applications at temp agencies and online job sites, both of which can be good sources for seasonal work. And don’t forget your local newspapers or your network of friends and acquaintances.
4. Be Proactive. If you want a retail job, apply at business offices of local department and discount stores and check with store managers of your favorite specialty retailers. Fill out applications at multiple businesses and don’t be too picky about who you work for, especially if you are applying for your first seasonal job.
5. Be Persistent. If you are told that a company won’t start hiring for the season before a specific date, be sure to check back closer to that time. Also, if you are learn that positions may open up at a later date, call regularly so that you don’t miss a fleeting opportunity.
6. Market Yourself Effectively. Be prepared to communicate how you can help an employer during the holiday rush, with an emphasis on relevant experience and skills.
7. Start Looking Early. If you want seasonal work during the Christmas holiday season, start looking in September or early October, and if you want to work at a beach resort during the summer, start applying for positions in the early spring.
8. Don’t Assume It Is Too Late. If you didn’t start your seasonal job search early, don’t assume that there are no longer any jobs available. Some companies are hiring later than in the past and some hires may not work out, so it is never too late to start a seasonal job hunt.
9. Don’t Limit Your Options. Although a retail job may be your first choice for seasonal work, if that doesn’t materialize, consider other businesses that experience a seasonal rush, such as package shippers/mailers, portrait studios, travel agencies, and caterers.
10. Have a Positive Attitude. Employers are likely to have plenty of choices of seasonal employees. A positive attitude, cheerful smile and enthusiasm can help you to stand out from the crowd and snag that job.
Sources:
Pamela DeLoatch, job-search.suite101.com, Finding a Holiday Job: Tips for Getting Seasonal Work in a Hurry/Suite101.com
Francine Knowles, www.suntimes.com, Get going now, cast a wide net in seasonal job search
www.suntimes.com, Chicago Sun-Times
