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How To Land A Seasonal Job

Howard Schwartz of the Connecticut Better Business Bureau talks about what you need to do if you want to land a seasonal job with a retailer this fall or winter...

Howard Schwartz of the Connecticut Better Business Bureau talks about what you need to do if you want to land a seasonal job with a retailer this fall or winter.

Below is a press release about seasonal hiring from the Connecticut Better Business Bureau. To learn more, visit www.ct.bbb.org.

“Retailers and local businesses have begun hiring seasonal employees, and according to Connecticut Better Business Bureau, if last year’s trend continues, holiday hires have a good chance of becoming permanent employees.

Last year, one major retail department store offered more than a third of its seasonal employees full-time positions, and a national toy store chain turned 15 percent of holiday hires into permanent positions.

National retailers and online sellers have announced plans to hire tens of thousands of temporary workers for this holiday season.  Connecticut Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises job-seekers to prepare and move quickly, because competition is expected to be brisk:

Don’t overlook local opportunities – Retail, shipping, restaurants, florists and catering companies are common sources of seasonal employment.  This is the time for job hunters to determine which job suits them best, identify companies they’d like to work for and then begin submitting applications and resumes.

Work where you shop – Try to identify seasonal employment opportunities at businesses where you shop.  You will already be familiar with the company and its products, and discounts available to employees can mean significant savings when shopping for gifts.  Discounts can range from 20 to 40 percent for seasonal employees.

Put your best foot forward – Even if you are just picking up applications at stores in the mall, dress neatly and be prepared for an interview.  This includes being familiar with the company’s brand and products.  Retail job hunters need to focus on impressing potential employers with customer service skills because they may be dealing with stressed-out shoppers, long check-out lines and holiday returns.

Mine social media – Many retailers have put out the “Help Wanted” sign on social media sites as well as corporate web sites.  Avoid clicking on unsolicited email and social media links to these sites to protect against fraud.

Scour your town – Ask local businesses and friends if they know who is hiring, rather than limiting your search to online job boards and signs in storefront windows.

It’s also important to be flexible.  Full-time employees usually have first choice on preferred hours and shifts.  As a seasonal employee, you can expect to work long, sometimes inconvenient hours, possibly including Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.  If this is a second job in addition to your day job, be upfront and clear with your new employer about your available hours.”

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