The holidays are upon us and before you know it will be January. Time flies! If you are like many jobseekers looking for income right now, you are in luck. Did you know the next several weeks are key to getting hired for the holidays? So if you are hoping to earn some extra cash this holiday season. Now is the time to start looking!
Retailers begin hiring seasonal sales workers for the holidays in late October and early November. If you are a seasoned retail pro or new to the world of holiday retail, this is a great way to get a flexible schedule, employee discounts, and earn some extra money. For newer workers, this is a great chance to get some new skills under your belt and add to your resume.
There are all sorts of needs. Cashiers, sales help, product demonstrators, stockers, receiving associates, dressing room assistants just to name a few. “Retailers are hiring attitude right now”, says Sharon, HR Manager with a specialty store. “We need people with a can do attitude, you know someone who can jump and figure it out on the fly.” She also says this is a great way to get your foot in the door. “Pick your favorite retail store and go for it. There are lots of store directors who discover that they can’t live without some of the most vivacious of the seasonal workers and they end up working beyond the holidays. Some of our holiday folks were asked to stay on and several got promoted later on. That's a pretty good outcome.”
Here is her advice for making it though the interview.
- Look the part if you can. Dress appropriately. You can wear jeans after you get hired. Be on time for your interview. Make eye contact. Get help with your resume if you need it.
- Don’t be too picky. Things change rapidly in retail. Go with the flow and accept a role on the team. The offer will go to someone else if you try to hold out for an exact job.
- Be yourself during the interview, if you have a natural laugh or smile, don’t be shy. People skills rule in retail. It is all about the customer and their shopping experience.
After your seasonal gig is over, what if you don't successfully land a permanent job? Let your supervisor know you're available to work during special sales, inventory and other peak times throughout the year. And look forward to brighter prospects for the next holiday season.
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