Seasonal Employment Job Tips

Believe it or not, the holidays are right around the corner. Have you thought about securing seasonal employment? If not, the time is NOW! As a result, most retailers boost hiring practices right before the holidays in order to hire seasonal employees to assist holiday shoppers. That means that if you're looking for seasonal employment, the odds are in your favor. You never know – a seasonal job, in addition to bulking up your resume, may even lead to new career opportunities. Seasonal opportunities can turn into part- or full-time job offers, depending on how well you fit in with a company's culture and whether or not they have availability. Many companies, however, plan for such growth potential. There are plenty of jobs, but you still need to go through the job application and interview processes! Since hiring practices for the holidays may differ from the rest of the year, it's important to know the processes. Utilize the following tips when looking for seasonal employment:

1. Apply Where the Jobs Are

If you’re looking for retail employment this year, it’s important to remember to apply at the chains that are thriving. Discount retailers have been doing especially well and will likely continue to do so, as well as luxury retailers. E-commerce is larger than ever before, and many large retailers hire for positions at distribution centers and warehouses across the nation. Traditionally, retailers and other companies who hire employees for their brick-and-mortar stores but, now, a large portion of holiday shopping is online and companies need employees to help fulfill their holiday orders. If a company is struggling, it will be that much harder to secure employment since they are likely stretched thin. Discover the top companies hiring for seasonal jobs in 2019.

2. Look Online

When it comes to companies needing holiday help, retail is where it’s at. Look up major retailers online to see if they’re hiring seasonal or part-time staff. Common job postings for seasonal employees include in store associates, distribution centers or customer service counters. You can often submit applications online, too.

3. Show Face

Even if you find a job opening online and apply, you should always make a point to go into the store and introduce yourself as a current job applicant to the hiring manager(s). It will help you stand apart from the piles of job applications that every manger receives for the upcoming hiring season. Introducing yourself in person often makes a difference in whether or not you get the job. Even though it may seem easier to only apply online, you may not get the result you’re looking for. It's much easier to make a good (and lasting) impression in person. Think about it: it's a lot harder to ensure you stand out as an applicant when you're just another application in a stack of papers.

4. Think Outside of the Mall

Consider the stores or companies people usually frequent for holiday gift-giving outside of the mall. The first place most workers will be looking is at the mall, so you’ll likely decrease your competition if you venture out.

5. The Early Applicant Gets the Job

When it comes to seasonal employment, the competition is fierce - especially for the jobs that pay well or offer hefty employee discounts. Make sure to apply as early as possible and follow up in a timely matter. Stores get piles of applications for seasonal employment and an overwhelmed manager will appreciate you putting in the extra effort to remain in contact.

6. Stay Flexible

If you’re willing to work on certain dates or shifts that aren’t as popular, you’ll get a leg-up on the competition. If you remain open and flexible with your schedule, you’re more likely to position yourself as a great fit for seasonal employment.

7. Never Insult Retail

Most seasonal positions fall within the retail sector, although there are also some creative holiday jobs, too. Although retail may not be your chosen career path, it’s important to remember that you’ll be working with others who have chosen retail for their careers. Never insult the profession or make it known that it’s just a temporary fill for you or you’re likely to alienate people and not get the job.

8. Discount Down Low

One of the reasons you may be applying at a particular retailers is for the great employee discount. You have holiday shopping to do to, right? While everyone is aware this is one of the perks of working retail, never mention this in your application, interview or to a fellow employee - even if you're joking. As someone who worked in the retail industry for over ten years, I can promise you: it's a surefire way to get your resume in the reject pile. Retailers look for workers who love the store, but want to work there for the culture, not the discount. Consider it one of those secrets that everyone knows but nobody ever says out loud - assuming you want the job.

9. Ignore Myths

According to Monster, there are many seasonal job myths you should ignore, like thinking all seasonal jobs are in the retail industry. Find out what the myths are so they it won't hinder your job search.

10. Check Out Your Part-Time Job Matches

Did you know you can find part-time job listings on Fastweb? They're updated frequently and listings are based on your location. You can even flag listings you like so you'll never miss an opportunity! Find a great seasonal part-time job hiring near you today. If you'd like even more tips, check out Monster's seasonal job tips.

Still looking for seasonal employment? Find out who's hiring for the 2019 holiday season.