Whether you’re unemployed, underemployed or just need some extra spending cash, you may be able to find seasonal employment this winter—if you’re willing to work for it.

Here are some hints on where to look and what steps to take to make yourself attractive to potential employers.

Working in Retail

The holiday shopping season traditionally begins on Black Friday and runs through the New Year. And the increase in buyers means sellers often need more staff on hand. If you apply for a retail job, consider these pointers:

• Customer service knowhow: Even if you don’t have specific retail experience, mention times when you’ve had to deal with people – especially people under stress or pressure.
• An open schedule: Flexibility is key for most people looking for holiday staff. Indicating that you’re only available for limited hours will hurt your chances of getting hired.
• Face time with workers: When you apply, try to do so in person, so you can make a (positive) connection with a potential employer. A pleasant conversation can say far more than any résumé in retail.
• Go local: Consider applying at small, independently owned stores – these often have a smaller pool of available workers on payroll and may be more likely to need new people at the holidays.

Beyond Retail: Industries that Might Be Hiring

If a mall full of screaming children and stressed-out shoppers isn’t your cup of tea, you may want to seek seasonal employment outside retail. Luckily, other industries also hire during the holidays.

• The gift senders: Packaging and shipping companies (think UPS, FedEx, DHL, USPS, etc.) are also often swamped during the holiday season. After all, retailers, online shoppers and long-distance gift givers all depend on delivery services to get their merchandise and presents where they need to go.
• The merry makers: The weeks that span traditional school (and college) breaks are, like the summer, prime time for many vacationers. This means that hot tourist spots (ski lodges, beach areas, etc.) may need extra employees. And even travel agents or booking services may need desk-type help to keep up with increased demand.
• The vacation takers: Because so many people take time off between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, many offices hire temporary employees to fill the vacancies. Applying at a temp agency could provide you with week- to month-long stints in more office-type settings than other types of holiday work.

Your Holiday Jobs

Are you looking for extra employment over the holidays? What tip and experiences have you had finding part-time, seasonal work? Leave a comment and let me know!

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