‘Tis the season for job seekers to strategize. As the holidays approach, it's the time for job seekers to polish off their resumes and up their job-hunting strategies to land a seasonal position. Competition is stiff this year as one quarter of retailers plan to reduce their number of seasonal hires. Instead of feeling discouraged, take advantage of the following strategies to land one of these coveted positions.
Strategy #1: Start early
Companies develop budgets and hiring plans for the holiday season as early as September. Most open positions wont start until before Thanksgiving, but having to scramble for one last minute will only limit your chances of getting hired. Search for open positions and apply with a resume and cover letter as soon as possible.
Strategy #2: Cover all your options
Seasonal jobs don't just exist at shopping malls and department stores. Good Morning America's Workplace Contributor Tory Johnson says that big box retailers have tens of thousands of open positions this season, but don't forget about the lesser known seasonal jobs as well. Consider positions in distribution or shipping (e.g., FedEx), outdoor positions (e.g., ski resorts, tree selling, etc.), overnight/stocking positions (e.g., Target, Walmart) and government jobs (e.g., IRS and state tax departments).
Strategy #3: Use a functional resume
While this may not always be the case, job seekers in the market for seasonal jobs such as students, entry-level employees, retirees or job hoppers usually benefit from a functional resume format. This resume format will help you to highlight your transferable skills, make your experience seem more cohesive and hide any job gaps you might have.
Strategy #4: Prepare to network
According to Career Horizons, at least 70 percent of jobs aren't even published online, and despite this, most job seekers spend the majority of their time searching for jobs online rather than adopting more unconventional and successful methods such as networking. This may sound complicated, but if you are eyeing a job at a local retailer, approach an employee or the store manager and strike up a business-related conversation. Once you break that first barrier, inquire about an open position. An applicant is much more desirable after a positive first impression is established.
Strategy #5: Highlight a flexible schedule
Companies bulk up on extra hands during the holiday season because they really need the extra help for business to run smoothly. A demanding schedule during this busy time is a sure way to get thrown out of the running. If you do have an open schedule, the best way to stand out is to highlight your availability during the season and stress that you are flexible to their needs.
Resume Builder helps you customize your resume and cover letter for every seasonal job that you apply to. It's fast, easy and effective.
Strategy #1: Start early
Companies develop budgets and hiring plans for the holiday season as early as September. Most open positions wont start until before Thanksgiving, but having to scramble for one last minute will only limit your chances of getting hired. Search for open positions and apply with a resume and cover letter as soon as possible.
Strategy #2: Cover all your options
Seasonal jobs don't just exist at shopping malls and department stores. Good Morning America's Workplace Contributor Tory Johnson says that big box retailers have tens of thousands of open positions this season, but don't forget about the lesser known seasonal jobs as well. Consider positions in distribution or shipping (e.g., FedEx), outdoor positions (e.g., ski resorts, tree selling, etc.), overnight/stocking positions (e.g., Target, Walmart) and government jobs (e.g., IRS and state tax departments).
Strategy #3: Use a functional resume
While this may not always be the case, job seekers in the market for seasonal jobs such as students, entry-level employees, retirees or job hoppers usually benefit from a functional resume format. This resume format will help you to highlight your transferable skills, make your experience seem more cohesive and hide any job gaps you might have.
Strategy #4: Prepare to network
According to Career Horizons, at least 70 percent of jobs aren't even published online, and despite this, most job seekers spend the majority of their time searching for jobs online rather than adopting more unconventional and successful methods such as networking. This may sound complicated, but if you are eyeing a job at a local retailer, approach an employee or the store manager and strike up a business-related conversation. Once you break that first barrier, inquire about an open position. An applicant is much more desirable after a positive first impression is established.
Strategy #5: Highlight a flexible schedule
Companies bulk up on extra hands during the holiday season because they really need the extra help for business to run smoothly. A demanding schedule during this busy time is a sure way to get thrown out of the running. If you do have an open schedule, the best way to stand out is to highlight your availability during the season and stress that you are flexible to their needs.
Resume Builder helps you customize your resume and cover letter for every seasonal job that you apply to. It's fast, easy and effective.
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