Chicago,IL- November 15, 2012 - Job hunters may get an early present this year asretailers look to increase the number of hires during the holiday season. The BetterBusiness Bureau (BBB) offers tips on how to land a seasonal job.
“Seasonalpositions offer a great opportunity to make some extra cash for the holidays,”said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau servingChicago and Northern Illinois. “Due to the high volume of applicants for these jobs, itis best to have a plan when you begin your search.”
The BBB offers the following tips for job hunters:
· Start the job search earlier rather than later. The key to landing a seasonal jobis to start searching early. Retail, shipping, restaurants and cateringcompanies are common sources of seasonal employment. Now is the time for jobhunters to determine which job suits them best, identify companies they’d liketo work for and then begin submitting applications and resumes.
· Research companies prior tosubmitting job applications. Always check out the company’s BBB Business Review forfree at www.bbb.org tosee if the company has received a passing grade from the BBB and a record oftaking care of consumers. Also, never give your credit card or checking accountinformation to an individual or business that promises employment. Legitimateemployers never charge fees to prospective employees.
· Work where you shop. Try to identify seasonalemployment with businesses you actually shop at or frequent. You will alreadybe familiar with the company and its products and discounts available foremployees may mean significant savings when shopping for Holidaygifts.
· Put your best foot forward. Even if you are just picking up anapplication at stores in the mall, dress your best and be prepared for aninterview. This includes being familiar with the company’s brand and itsproducts, as well as reviewing the store’s website. Retail job hunters inparticular need to focus on impressing potential employers with their customerservice skills—which is a must when dealing with stressed-out shoppers, longcheck-out lines and day-after-Christmas returns.
· Be flexible. Full-time employees usually have first dibs on thepreferred hours and shifts, so, as a seasonal employee, expect to work long,sometimes inconvenient hours that may include Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve.If this is a second job in addition to your day job, be upfront and clear with yournew employer about your available hours.
For more holidaytips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org
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As aprivate, non-profit organization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau isto promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints bymeans of conciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertisingclaims, online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs developand issue reviews on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encouragepeople to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.
