4 Mistakes to Avoid When Holiday Job Hunting

4 Mistakes to Avoid When Holiday Job Hunting. | Jolly old St. Nick is getting his jingle bells ready for the season, and that means it’s time to start planning for your own happy holiday. If cash is tight, you might be thinking of getting a part-time or seasonal job. That’s a great way to help bridge the gap from gift-less to gift-giving. 

Here are four mistakes to avoid as you scramble for a paying position : 

1. Thinking part-time jobs are only available in retail.

While it’s true that most big-box retailers have ample openings from November through January, these aren’t the only positions available. Many companies gladly take on customer service representatives to help field inbound phone calls and client orders. Other options include working as a family photographer or offering your decorating skills for style-deficient homeowners. 

While retail sales lead the Christmas season, all of the extra commerce activity has an impact on other parts of the economy as well. Manufacturing facilities need more people to create their products, and shipping companies, such as UPS and FedEx, almost always have a high demand for hard workers.

2. Failing to polish your resume.

While you likely aren’t going into the process looking for a long-term position, your resume remains a vital component in your job quest. Before beginning your job search, create a few different versions of your resume based on the type of position you’re seeking. If you aren’t sure how to choose a resume style, Zety offers insight on the 21 most popular resume examples, including administrative assistant, retail, and marketing.

3. Not knowing about your potential employer.

Monster contributor Catherine Conlan underscores the importance of knowing what, exactly, your future company does. Your interviewers want to see that you understand company culture as well as job expectations. Take some time to research this information. Start with the company’s website and social media accounts. If all else fails, pay a visit to the location nearest you before submitting an application.

4. 

Failing to consider advantages beyond cash.

One of the best parts of seasonal employment isn’t necessarily the paycheck. Most retailers provide seasonal workers a substantial discount and an opportunity to build a resume. These, coupled with flexible scheduling, are exciting benefits to consider.

Sealing the deal

Landing the perfect holiday job is a time-consuming process. It’s in your best interest to start early, between Halloween and Thanksgiving. The best posts will be filled by Black Friday. Starting before this benchmark gives you an opportunity to get comfortable with the position so you won’t succumb to stress when things get hectic.

Keep in mind that no matter how much experience you have, you may not be a perfect match for each job. This should not deter you from pursuing the position, as many employers will happily offer training to otherwise qualified candidates. Another thing to consider is that your potential employers will look at your social media profiles. Make sure your professional pages are as up-to-date as your resume, and consider making your social ones private.

I need job too!

Finally, don’t be afraid to let your interviewers know the reason behind your job search. Whether you’re looking to make ends meet or need extra cash to keep Santa’s reputation intact, be upfront and honest. Hiring managers don’t have time to play games and will respect your openness.

There are plenty of jobs out there waiting to be had. The above tips can help you forgo fatal flaws that prevent you from earning the extra cash you need to complete the season.

All the best!