How to Get a Seasonal Job

Are you interested in how to get a seasonal job? If so, there are plenty of resources available to help you find the employment you're searching for.

If you're looking for retail jobs, many stores are currently looking for additional help to get through the busy shopping season. Restaurants will also be hiring help to provide services to the many customers they can expect during the holidays. Even after the holidays pass, you can possibly find open office jobs as accounting and tax services get ready for the upcoming tax season.

Due to the down economy, there may be fewer employers offering seasonal work than usual.http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iG41E9cl-hj1iLR6_ln6q-z8FY4QD9CM0NNO0 So, you may have to compete with more people than usual for open positions.http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/employment/2009-11-19-hiring19_ST_N.htm But, you can still find a great seasonal job! To do so, you will need access to resources and suggestions to help you find the job that will provide the income you need. The really good news is that if you can secure seasonal employment, you may even be able to turn that temporary job into a permanent one!

This page will cover how to get a seasonal job. You'll start by making room in your schedule, then you'll start your job search, and finally you'll get suggestions on how to have a great interview!

Step 1: Free Up Your Schedule

The first step to getting a seasonal job is to evaluate your own circumstances. Many seasonal jobs require that employees be available during the busiest times in the store. These peak times tend to be evenings and weekends. So if you usually go out socially during these times, you will need to rearrange your personal time to accommodate your employer.http://www.snagajob.com/seasonal-jobs/

On the other hand, if you are looking to gain seasonal employment at a restaurant, you might be asked to work early mornings. While this shift might be less than desirable to you if you're not a morning person, consider if you can make an adjustment in your daily routine that will help you to work well at that time.

If you have family responsibilities, be sure to work these out with your spouse or partner before committing to additional employment. If your partner also works, you will want to coordinate with his or her schedule if possible. This will cut down on friction between the two of you during the time you are working.

If you have children to care for, you will want to arrange for any childcare that will be needed before you accept a position. Many employers offering seasonal work will want you to be able to accept a shift whenever they need you, often on very little notice. This means that you will need to find a childcare provider that allows drop-in care.

Step 2: Hit the Pavement

Once you're ready to look for seasonal jobs, start looking everywhere.http://jobsearch.about.com/od/tempjobs/a/holidayjobs.htm Get a copy of your local newspaper, especially the Sunday edition, and browse the help wanted section. Select as many opportunities as you can and call the employers to see if they're still hiring.

If your local newspaper's help wanted section seems sparse, go to your nearest shopping mall. Most retail stores are always looking for extra help around the busy shopping season. Be sure to visit the mall during the least busy time of day, like early morning. That way, you will probably be able to ask the manager a few questions about the position and the required shift availability.

Stores that are advertising for open positions will usually keep applications at the front desk. When you inquire about the job, stay right there and fill out an application. This will help to show the manager that you are seriously interested in employment. Take your time and fill out your application completely. Incomplete applications might be discarded, so be sure to take your time and make your first impression a good one!

If you don't see a help wanted sign in a store, go in and ask the manager anyway. Sometimes retailers post availability online instead of hanging up a sign, so they may still be hiring.

Step 3: Ace Your Interview

Now that you've found a job that you would like and submitted your application, you will probably spend some time waiting by the telephone for a callback. If you receive one of these, be prepared to attend the job interview at whatever time that the employer requests.

Before you meet with the employer, prepare yourself for the interview by dressing appropriately. If you are interviewing for an office seasonal position, such as assisting during tax season, be sure to dress professionally as you would when working there.

If you are interviewing for a seasonal retail position, such as a clerk or stocker, you will still want to dress in a business casual style, even though employees who work there may dress casually. Dressing up a little for the interview shows respect for your employer and demonstrates your seriousness about the job. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early!http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/interviews/a/aceinterview.htm

During the interview, listen carefully and show your attention by looking at the manager. Be polite and friendly when answering questions. Respond honestly, but don't ramble. This shows that you can be direct yet professional.

Wait until the manager finishes the interview before you inquire more about the position. Ask about any area that you need clarified. Be sure to ask about the time commitment that the employer wants from you. This is a good time to explain that you have made your schedule available for whatever shift the employer asks.http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewquestionsanswers/a/interviewquest.htm