The holidays are right around the corner, and if you are looking for a new job, that could be really good news for you. With retailers, restaurants and online businesses bulking up for the holidays, you can find a seasonal position no matter where you live, and it’s a great way to test out new positions with minimal commitment. If you are thinking about picking up a position during the holidays, keep the following tips in mind.

Decide Whether Seasonal Work is Right for You

Before you even begin your job search, weigh the pros and cons of a seasonal job. The pros include adding more experience to your resume, preventing gaps in job history, and even getting your foot in the door for permanent employment. If you’re just looking for a way to earn some extra income or experience, then the advantages of seasonal work may be a perfect fit for you. You may love the limited schedule and big discounts a temporary job can offer, but be aware of the cons of seasonal work, including working on weekends and holidays, limited training and typically, low pay. Weekends and holidays are a definite if you are thinking of working in retail, food service or even museums, so keep that in mind when you are trying to decide if seasonal work is a good fit for you.

Think Beyond Retail and Customer Service

You can beat one of the cons of holiday work by looking for seasonal jobs that pay a little more. Some higher-paying seasonal jobs include photographers, social media assistants, and event planners. Of course, you need some experience to snag most of these high-paying temporary jobs. Another option for making extra money around the holidays could be starting your own business. For example, you could start an e-commerce business, and it’s never been easier to do so. Research which product(s) you’d like to sell, and consult some online resources to learn more about resource management, customer service, and brand equity. Once you put a business plan together, research some helpful tech such as payroll and inventory software so you and your business can hit the ground running.

Know How to be Memorable 

Whether you’re moonlighting as a mall Santa or helping out with holiday sales at your favorite department store, you have to know how to apply for and get the job you want. If you are applying for a retail job (or any job, really), you should start by avoiding some common application mistakes. When you are asking about open positions, try asking for the manager, and make sure you go into the store alone. Avoid applying for or asking about employment opportunities on the weekends and holidays. Those are some of the busiest retail hours, and managers are going to be way too slammed to remember you. Depending on where you apply, you may need to work on your resume as well so that your application stands out.

Ace Your Interactions and Interviews

Managers may base their decisions on how you present yourself. Think about what you will wear when you talk with employees or when you land an interview and keep the store’s style and clientele in mind when you dress for those interactions. You may not be able to score a seasonal job at a high-end store if you walk in wearing your gym clothes. Finally, put in the time to prepare for your interview. Come to the meeting ready to answer common interview questions, including why you want to work there and what your schedule looks like for the holidays. Most importantly, research the company and be able to speak to the brand, the products and the kinds of customers they serve. If you have a passion for the company, your enthusiasm will really shine through in your interview and help you stand out in the eyes of managers (just don’t overdo it).

Looking for a job during the holidays has a lot of advantages. Seasonal opportunities are everywhere, and it’s a great way to build your resume and get some experience working with others. So, get out there and snag a seasonal job you’ll love!

****Campus to Career thanks Erica Francis for her post contributions!!****

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