Many Americans will want to consider going for that staple of seasonal employment, the Christmas holiday job. Are you one of them? These tips will show you how to get a holiday job.
Show enthusiasm.
Karen Cole, a spokeswoman for UPS, says the Atlanta-based package delivery giant looks for seasonal workers who demonstrate that they are extra keen to work hard over the holidays.
There’s less competition.
Lots of people give up looking over the holidays, and that means you’ll have a better chance.
The holidays put people in a receptive mood.
The focus on family and fun makes people more open to conversation, even with job-seekers.
Holiday parties are great for networking.
In addition to parties thrown by family and friends, professional associations and offices host their own fêtes.
Respond to leads quickly.
If you get a job or networking lead at a holiday party, act on it right away. Momentum is always important in a job search, so don’t wait until the new year to send that e-mail.
Managers have more time to take your call.
Workloads often lighten up during the holidays. If a hiring manager isn’t out of town, he’s more likely to chat with you than he would be at another time of year.
Hiring managers must meet end-of-year deadlines.
Some managers have quotas to fill, like hiring 15 marketing staffers by Dec. 31. If they’re behind on hiring when you present yourself, you could get lucky.
Holiday cards offer a way to stay in touch.
The hiring process often takes weeks, if not months. If you’re in protracted talks with a potential employer, a holiday card can be a great way to remind him or her that you’re available and eager.
Holidays offer time to polish your résumé.
Employed job-seekers looking to make a switch are often too crazed at work to spend time on their résumés. The holiday lull can offer precious time to fix up one’s C.V.
Use the Internet to find your ideal job.
Though Jewell agrees with most coaches that combing through online job listings is not a productive way to spend your job search hours, she recommends reading online job descriptions to help you figure out your ideal job title, and potentially your ideal employer.
The season can help you appreciate your good fortune.
Hiring managers respond better to applicants with a positive outlook. So though it sounds a tad Pollyannaish, Jewell says the holidays can help you move ahead by appreciating all the good things in your life, even if you’re unemployed. “Regardless of your spiritual orientation,” she says, “it’s a great time to count your blessings.”
Be punctual.
Since UPS prides itself on reliability, the most appealing seasonal job candidates make it very clear that they can arrive on time and stick to a schedule.
Inquire with a staffing company.
Staffing outfits like Adecco and Manpower do a lot of seasonal hiring for big companies like Amazon and Wal-Mart.
Explore company websites.
Wal-Mart, UPS and many other companies that hire seasonal workers list jobs on their company Web sites.
Demonstrate flexibility.
Holiday hours can start early and stretch into the wee hours. Employers look for staffers willing to work any time of day or night.
Play to your strengths.
Have you done volunteer work where you interacted with the public? That could qualify you as a seasonal customer service representative. Or if you’re an oenophile, consider applying at your local wine store. Think about what you’re most interested in and best at.