10 Steps to Getting Hired for the Holidays

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A part-time seasonal job can be a great way to make some extra cash, or simply get your foot in the door of a great company.

Some retail jobs not only provide extra income, but also give you access to employee discounts you can use when shopping for gifts. Plus, seasonal work can turn into a permanent position.

But you better get to work on getting hired right now. Companies already are holding job fairs and recruiting seasonal workers.

Here are some tips to help snag your holiday job:

1. Start applying right now

Employers need to get their staffs in position long before Black Friday, so they’re already hiring. Some have held job fairs. So, if you’re interested, don’t waste another minute.

2. Get off the internet

Job boards are great, but applications submitted online often get bogged down by slow processing. Get out into the street and start asking employers if they are hiring.

Start by making a list of the 10 places you think would be the most fun to work. Visit each in person to ask about holiday hiring and how to apply.

3. Look fantastic

Look in the mirror before you go for a job interview. Would you hire yourself based on looks alone? Because, shallow as it is, most people make decisions about someone based on appearance, especially if they’ll be in a role meeting the public.

4. Start telling the world

Tell everyone you know that you’re in the market for work. The best job leads often come from someone you know.

5. Consider warehouse/fulfillment jobs

You don’t need to be a big-truck driver or heavy lifter. You can get a job where you sort items, or wrap gifts. For example, Amazon offers “sortation jobs” in its fulfillment centers.

The increase in online shopping has created a demand not just at Amazon, but other companies such as Walmart for distribution center workers.

6. Be ready to commit

Your willingness to stick with a seasonal job until the holidays are over will make a big difference in your favor.

Employers need to hire people who will be able to work through the holidays, which may include Thanksgiving Day or Christmas Day.

7. Be available

Availability — or at least schedule flexibility — can be tough if you’re already working another job (or two) or are juggling a busy family schedule. Still, employers say is important that you are ready to work when called upon.

8. Say thanks

After you’ve applied, remember to follow up by checking in with the person who interviewed you to say thank you. This can help strengthen a relationship that might lead to a job down the road.

9. Beware holiday job scams

It’s sad but true that con artists work overtime on the holidays. Don’t fall for “jobs” that require you to pay an application fee or a training fee or some other fee in order to get hired.

10. Give it all you’ve got

Attitude is everything. Whether you are looking to be hired on permanently and want to impress the boss or just making some extra money for the short-term, your willingness to jump in will score you points and make the job more fun.

You never know where it could lead — a stellar recommendation to post on your LinkedIn page, perhaps, or the offer of a better job down the road.

Do you have experience working seasonal jobs? Share with us in comments below or on our Facebook page.

Jim Gold contributed to this post.

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