Holiday Job 101:Tips for Finding a Job During the Holiday Rush

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Hey there! The holidays are getting closer and with that, there are more sales and hence a job demand…we all like to buy things, right? Today’s post is brought to you by Erica Francis (efrancis@readyjob.org) from ReadyJob, a company that provides advice on how the job world works.

Looking For a Holiday Job

With the modern focus on decorations, presents, and general cheer, the holiday season can be a great one for job seekers. Many retailers need extra assistance to make it through the holiday rush, but there are also plenty of jobs available in other fields — brands, for instance, need to market their goods with a holiday flair. Here are ways you can start looking for a holiday job.

Research Which Jobs Are Available

The first step to finding a job during the holiday season is research. As with any job search these days, you should first start looking online. Pay particular attention to job listings with “temporary” or “contract” markings, as those will indicate jobs of a less permanent nature. This can be a good time to scope out the opportunities available for you. Retail jobs will require you to live nearby so you can be there in person, but many other types of positions, like social media management, require only that you have a working internet connection.

However, while it is tempting to rely on online social networking to find a job, most experts warn that it should not be your only avenue of research. For more online research, visit sites you frequent and check their hiring notifications. Also, look into blogs and other sites based on your interests and abilities to see if they are hiring.

By showing interest in their work, you increase your own value in their eyes. Also, if you are looking for a more business-styled job, don’t forget to network in person. Just the simple act of showing active engagement can prove useful for your future job prospects, even if it means attending holiday job fairs.

Different Types of Seasonal Jobs

When you’re looking for a job, make sure not to lock yourself in one particular box.  While you may think retail jobs are the only opportunities available to you, depending on your abilities, experience, and qualifications, you may be able to land a high-paying job in a different field. 

Keep in mind that even retailers require technological support, social media, marketing, and customer service. Also, if you are good with a camera, why not branch out into holiday photography? Photographers can charge a good amount of money for a half-hour session, and families always enjoy getting holiday-themed photographs taken.

Similarly, if you don’t want to go through the process of getting hired for a seasonal job, why not just start a business yourself? E-commerce is a growing market that always gets a boost when the holidays come around. You can start your business on Amazon, maybe? For little overhead, you could start a dropshipping store on Shopify!  Dropshipping is different from traditional commerce because the entrepreneurs acquire inventory as they are ordered, instead of carrying inventory.

How to Land a Seasonal Job

There are several things you can do to make yourself more appealing to potential employers. First, apply early to beat the rush of last-minute job seekers. Do what you can to commit to the entire season, particularly the last few weeks of December when the rush is at its peak.

Know what you’re getting into — you may not make much money or acquire much training, but seasonal work can be a great resume builder, particularly during the more stressful times that may give you fodder for answers to interview questions about overcoming obstacles down the road.

Prep your resume

Be sure to frame your resume to highlight your abilities under pressure while demonstrating your soft skills and likability (attitude is critical when you’re working in the holiday season).  If you have to go through an interview for your seasonal job, prepare answers to the basic questions like why you want a seasonal job, what your plans are after the holiday season, and how flexible you are in general.

You should approach finding a holiday job the same as you would any other job — do some research, find out what’s available, and prepare a solid resume. If everything goes accordingly, you’ll land that interview in no time!

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As always, I would love to know your comments. Make sure you drop them down below. Now tell me, what is your dream job?