Chicago,
IL- November 15, 2012 - Job hunters may get an early present this year as
retailers look to increase the number of hires during the holiday season. The Better
Business Bureau (BBB) offers tips on how to land a seasonal job.
“Seasonal
positions offer a great opportunity to make some extra cash for the holidays,”
said Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving
Chicago and Northern
Illinois. “Due to the high volume of applicants for these jobs, it
is 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 job
is to start searching early. Retail, shipping, restaurants and catering
companies are common sources of seasonal employment. Now 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.
·
Research companies prior to
submitting job applications. Always check out the company’s BBB Business Review for
free at www.bbb.org to
see if the company has received a passing grade from the BBB and a record of
taking care of consumers. Also, never give your credit card or checking account
information to an individual or business that promises employment. Legitimate
employers never charge fees to prospective employees.
·
Work where you shop. Try to identify seasonal
employment with businesses you actually shop at or frequent. You will already
be familiar with the company and its products and discounts available for
employees may mean significant savings when shopping for Holiday
gifts.
·
Put your best foot forward. Even if you are just picking up an
application at stores in the mall, dress your best and be prepared for an
interview. This includes being familiar with the company’s brand and its
products, as well as reviewing the store’s website. Retail job hunters in
particular need to focus on impressing potential employers with their customer
service skills—which is a must when dealing with stressed-out shoppers, long
check-out lines and day-after-Christmas returns.
·
Be flexible. Full-time employees usually have first dibs on the
preferred 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 your
new employer about your available hours.
For more holiday
tips you can trust, visit www.bbb.org
###
As a
private, non-profit organization, the purpose of the Better Business Bureau is
to promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help resolve buyer/seller complaints by
means of conciliation, mediation and arbitration. BBBs also review advertising
claims, online business practices and charitable organizations. BBBs develop
and issue reviews on businesses and nonprofit organizations and encourage
people to check out a company or charity before making a purchase or donation.
