Jobs and Education Holiday Hiring Plans Announced – How to Score a Seasonal Job
Holiday Hiring Plans Announced – How to Score a Seasonal Job
Holiday hiring this year may reach as high as 700,000 jobs – an increase of up to 40,000 jobs over last year, according to a survey by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc.
Here are some employers that, according to news reports, have already announced their anticipated hiring volume for the holidays.
Target – 80,000 to 90,000
Khol’s – 52,700
WalMart – 50,000
Hickory Farms – 5,225
Amazon – 5,000
If you’re looking to score a seasonal job this year, keep these things in mind:
Go Go Go: Sure, employers are expected to hire more people this year – but the bump is modest, and there are still plenty of people looking for some extra cash. Get out there now and start inquiring and applying.
Consider All Options: Retailers tend to do the most hiring during the holidays – in addition to those above, Best Buy, J.C. Penney, Macy’s and Toys R’ Us have been among the leading retailers hiring for the holidays in the past. However, don’t end your seasonal job search with the local mall – shipping and delivery companies, such as UPS and FedEx do a fair share of holiday hiring, too.
Stay Positive: This is good advice for most situations, and it applies here. You may not be so happy about the circumstances that have forced you to seek seasonal employment – but this is the situation in which you find yourself. Be grateful that you got called in for an interview. Keep your attitude cheery and be enthusiastic. Show off your people skills – chances are you’ll be interacting with customers if you get the job.
Flexibility Will Push You Ahead: Be willing to work those less desirable hours – nights and weekends, even the holidays themselves. When filling seasonal jobs, employers are looking for someone who will accommodate them – not the other way around.
Stay on the Radar: Keep a log of where you have applied and when – check after a few days to see if the company is still hiring and where they are in the process – if the timing seems right, ask for an interview. If you have had an interview, send a note to the person who interviewed to set yourself apart from the crowd.