Why You Should Start Looking Now for a Seasonal Job for the Holidays
When the holiday season approaches, there are plenty of seasonal jobs available. Whether you’re looking for a second job or just want to get back into the workforce, the fall season is the perfect time to do so. Many businesses begin hiring for the holidays, and others gear up for the coming spring. You can find a variety of positions, from retail to accounting. Find out how you can get started looking for a seasonal position.
Know When to Start Looking
When most people think of seasonal work, they think of positions that begin in October or November. But you don’t need to wait that long to apply for your seasonal position. In fact, you shouldn’t wait that long. Most employers begin the hiring process in September. If you wait until October or November to apply for work, you won’t have as many job opportunities. You’ll be a step behind all of the other applicants.
Don't Just Show Up
If you're looking for seasonal work, you might be tempted to stop into stores the next time you're shopping. And while this is a proactive approach, it's not a great way to get a job. Typically, the manager will give you an application to fill out. If you don't have a pen, references, or documentation, you're not ready.
Before you approach anyone about a job, prepare yourself. Dress yourself as if you were going for an interview. If a business is eager to hire someone, they might interview you on the spot. You should also bring a copy of your resume along, as well as any documentation you need. Make sure you give yourself enough time to meet with supervisors and complete interviews.
Have a Professional Attitude
One of the biggest mistakes people make when looking for seasonal positions is to have a blaise attitude. Even though a position might be temporary, it's still a job. An employer wants to hire someone who seems professional and interested in the position.
Even if you have an interview for a stocking position, dress nicely. It doesn't matter how casual the job may be. By dressing professionally, you show the hiring manager that you have the right attitude. Remember that a temporary position could become a permanent one, so don't take a job interview lightly.
Understand What You Need and Want
Before you start applying for jobs, take some time to think about what you want and need. What's the lowest rate you're willing to take for an hourly wage? When you consider this question, think about your budget. If you need this job to pay the bills, don't take any less than you can handle.
It's also important to think about your schedule. Which days can you work, and what hours are you available? When you're in a job interview, the employer will ask you about your availability. The last thing you want to do is commit to hours you can't work.
Finally, know what types of jobs you can and can't do. If you have a back injury, lifting heavy objects isn't a good idea. Only apply for positions that appeal to you and that you can physically and mentally handle. Know your limitations, and know your skills.
Stay Flexible
Because seasonal positions don't often require extensive training or experience, it can be difficult for applicants to make themselves stand out. One of the best ways to make yourself stand out is to be flexible. If you can work flexible hours, make sure your employer knows it.
You can also be flexible about your position. If you're willing to work any position your employer puts you in, you'll be an asset. Make it known that you're eager to be trained in a variety of positions, or that you're willing to do whatever duties are needed.
Know What Jobs are Available
There are more seasonal jobs than you may know of. As you start the job search, make sure you know who's hiring and where to look for the positions.
Retail Positions
One of the most obvious seasonal industries is retail. Stockers, cashiers, and security positions are available in many stores.
Delivery and Packaging Positions
Because people do some shopping online for the holidays, there are always seasonal delivery positions available. You can find work driving delivery trucks, helping delivery drivers, or loading and unloading trucks. Inside packaging warehouses, there are more jobs than you might imagine.
Restaurant Positions
Restaurants also hire during the holidays. Typically, they only hire for peak hours. If you want to work in a restaurant, you may need to be willing to work during the holidays.
Hospitality and Tourism Positions
During the holiday season, travel is popular. Hotels, tour companies, and even airlines may be hiring.
Tax Preparation Positions
People often try to get a jump on their taxes. For this reason, tax preparation companies often look for help before the winter approaches. They need individuals willing to help with paperwork, phone calls, and data entry. For some positions, you may need accounting or tax preparation experience.
Temp work
To prepare for the holidays, many temp agencies look to hire new employees. Generally, they look to fill administrative positions and desk jobs.
Have a Strategy
If you don't go into the job search with a strategy, you'll be doomed to fail. It takes an organized strategy for you to be able to get results. Rather than dive headfirst into the job search, take some time to prepare.
Think about everything you need to apply for jobs. If you don't have a resume, use a template and create one. Craft a list of references and write a cover letter. Then, make a spreadsheet of all the jobs you apply for. Keep track of the date you applied for the position, and set reminders to follow up with hiring managers about applications and interviews.
By being organized, you improve your chances of success. You also make it easier to get started, and can save yourself from scrambling to get things done for employers.