It's a win-win since the temporary employee not only earns that much-needed extra money, but also, provided he or she has done an excellent job during his short time, the worker is able to add a reference to a resume and can broaden his or her work history and skills. The employer is able to save some of his or her regular employees from some of the holiday burn out spreading the responsibilities out between them and temporary employees. The employer may even add an excellent resource that he can incorporate during the year should he find himself shorthanded. But for those wishing to secure these temporary positions, they're often left wondering, ''Where do I start?''
You actually have several options to consider. First, ask family members, close friends, and neighbors if they're aware of any seasonal openings. You might be surprised to discover someone who will say, ''Oh, yes. I had to wait ten minutes just to check out the other day and I heard the clerks complaining and the store manager say he was preparing a help wanted ad for the classifieds!'' You could gain a bit of information that hasn't hit the help-wanted classifieds. Take advantage of that short-lived head start, because as soon as the morning paper comes out, you can be sure you've lost that advantage.
Another resource is, of course, checking the help-wanted ads. Again, you have less of an advantage, but often employers are looking for a unique combination of skills and traits that only a few have. For instance, a part-time position at a local department store may require a level of maturity for insurance purposes. That immediately disallows high school students for obvious reasons. You've narrowed your competition without having to do anything except submit an application.
Another important consideration, and one that often isn't incorporated, is your attitude towards the job search. Treat it as though it's your dream position you want to retire from some day. Attitude is everything. If you approach a potential employer with a nonchalant attitude, you'll be met with a nonchalant attempt at an interview with a hasty escort to the front doors. Take pride in whatever it is you do. Potential employers want to know you take it seriously and that you are responsible and will treat the position with respect. Remember, there's a reason you're searching for a part-time position. It will serve little purpose if you locate this position after the holidays, wouldn't it.
Many jobs in retail, whether they're full-time and permanent or part-time and seasonal require a background check. Many are put off by this, but rest assured, they won't have the CIA knocking at your neighbor's doors asking questions about your moral character. Instead, these checks generally include a criminal search and sometimes financial searches to determine the extent to which they can trust you. If you're overdrawn at the bank, filed bankruptcy two months earlier, and are facing foreclosure, there's a good chance you may not get the position. Using formulas most of us aren't privy to, the information garnered from these background checks are able to asses a risk factor of adding you as an employee. If it doesn't sound fair, you're not alone in thinking so. Many say the very reason they need a part-time job is because of their poor financial state.
Fashion retail jobs lead the pack in seasonal positions. For those who celebrate Christmas, many purchase clothes as gifts. Parents take advantage of the sales to update their little ones' spring wardrobes, Boyfriends and husbands attempt (sadly, usually) to choose a beautiful blouse for girlfriends and wives, while children, excited with their own money jingling in their pockets, plan their own shopping trips with Grandma to find the perfect glove-and-scarf set for Mom and the ideal ball cap for Dad. It's a tradition.
Due to such traditions, retail stores must have enough clerks to meet the spike in business during this time. Many of us love the time of year and don't mind the fact there are fifty people racing to grab two television sets that were advertised at an incredibly low price; but if crowds drive you crazy and you find yourself claustrophobic, you might want to consider working away from the frontline.
Just as retail store jobs include the need for clerks, there is also a need for help in the stock rooms and warehouses. By the way, those who are organized and quick with quick with math excel in these positions. It might be you're more inclined to take the quieter route by choosing a position such as those found in the stockrooms. Either way, jobs in retail increase during the last three months of the year, and if you're one who's looking for temporary work, odds are, you'll find it in retail.