With the holiday season approaching, many retailers are preparing themselves for a, hopefully, busy holiday's sales season. This year, many companies are hiring seaonal help in larger numbers than the previous years. This is due partly to the hopes of brisk holiday sales and partly because many retailers have been understaffed this year due to slow sales.
A recent list by Forbes magazine suggested that the biggest holiday employers will be department stores. Sears, J.C. Penny and Macys are leading the way with the most job openings across the country. Toys R Us and Wal-Mart are also planning to hire a large seasonal staff.
Seasonal work is a great way to add a little money to your budget, especially if you have been out of work for a long period of time. So how do you go about getting one of these jobs and finding a paycheck in your stocking? Here are some tips:
- Be on time to the interview and to work – Because these jobs are seasonal, employers have no incentive to give warnings or work to retain you as an employee. They are looking for applicants who are flexible, willing to work wherever they are needed and who show up for work on time. If you are late or unwilling to work, more often than not, you will be replaced. On the bright side, many companies find full-time positions for seasonal employees who are especially dedicated.
- Use your passions- Most of these temporary jobs don't require any special education or skills. Think about your hobbies and passion to find a way to do what you love and earn a paycheck too. For example, if you are an avid reader, check out local bookstores to see if they are hiring Christmas staff. If you are a gamer, then check with electronics stores and game stores. If you have experience in the area, even if it isn't formal instruction, odds are good that the company would want to hire you and you would enjoy your work as well.
- Remember that every day is an interview- Many companies go on to hire a portion of their seasonal employes to permanent jobs. Look for a holiday job at a company you want to work for full-time. Just be sure to make a good impression every day.
Are you looking for a job in Retail? Be sure to visit RetailGigs.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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