Seasonal Hiring: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

It is that time of the year again. Department stores are stripping down their Halloween decorations and are making room for the inflatable reindeer. Black Friday deals are already being promoted, and people are ready to start buying everything on their families' wish lists. The holiday hustle and bustle does not just mean crowded parking lots and airports. It also means jobs!

During the winter, many high schools and colleges will be on break. Students like you can use the free time to earn some money for your college savings or gifts for your family. And you do not have to work in a toy store, if that does not work for you. Many different industries need more help to keep up with the busy holiday pace: Hotels, restaurants, delivery companies, call centers, department stores, and discount stores

Be sure to apply as soon as possible! Seasonal openings fill up fast. If you wait too long, you may get stuck with a less desirable job or with no job at all. To save yourself some time, you can start your job hunt by calling the employers and asking 1) if they have open positions, and 2) what is the minimum age to apply. Some companies require workers to be 18 or over.

To improve your chances of being hired, go to the employer in-person and dress professionally. Just ask for the hiring manager, and fill out an application right then and there. Let the hiring manager know how much you want the job, and that you want to learn new skills. This will make you stand out as someone who was thoughtful  about finding a job. If you would like to keep working after the holidays are over, say so. They may decide to keep you if things work out.

You should know that most seasonal jobs are a lot of work. You may have to rush around all day, and you will likely have to work the morning after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve. So, be ready.

Most importantly, if you get a seasonal job, take it seriously! Even if it is temporary, you should be respectful and positive. You never know when you will need a recommendation from your holiday job.

Good luck, job hunters!

READERS, what do you think?

Would you be willing to work during your vacation? 

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References

Coffey, L. (2012, November 2). 10 tips to find seasonal work this year. NBC News. Retrieved from http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/33995314/ns/today-money/t/tips-find-seasonal-work-year/#.UJcse4Yq624.