How to Optimize a Holiday Job Search

Although the economy is not stable yet being at a recovery stage, landing a seasonal job during holiday season is not impossible. Of course, during recessionary times, competition is fiercer and more candidates compete for a relatively smaller number of seasonal positions. However, there are ways to get a competitive edge over fellow job seekers and get a seasonal job.

Here are some useful tips to optimize your holiday job search:

a) Focus on your job search

Because you're looking for a seasonal job it doesn't mean you don't have to focus on your job search. Seasonal job positions often turn to full-time employment if you demonstrate dedication, enthusiasm and eagerness to learn new things and acquire working experience. However, one step before getting hired or even interviewed you have to make sure that you apply for seasonal positions that match your skills. Therefore, schedule time for your job search and organize yourself to create a job search schedule. Stay positive and keep on looking until you find seasonal positions that you could fit.

b) Establish a strong social media presence

Networking is extremely important in job search and s ocial networking sites can be a great help in your effort to get a seasonal job. Make sure you establish a strong social media presence and network online at professional websites such as LinkedIn, which is the most popular social site for professionals hosting over 55 million members, but also Ryze, Ziggs, Xing, and Konnects - each one with different mission and function.

Besides, you can create a Facebook professional page, a Twitter professional account, a MySpace account or launch your own blog or website to ensure that employers and recruiters will stumble upon your resume when the buzzwords take effect in their search to recruit talented candidates for particular seasonal job positions.

c) Making it known you're looking for a seasonal position

Applying on your own to online job postings or going in person to retail stores, restaurants, gift wrapping firms or delivery package companies may not be enough to get a seasonal position. Talk to all your friends and family and let them know you are really interested in getting a seasonal job. Even better, specify what type of job you're looking for, why you are interested in this particular type of job and if you consider it as a stepping stone for your future career. It makes great difference to look for a seasonal position just to earn some extra cash and to think of a seasonal job as a challenge to see if this job could be your future permanent employment.

d) Attend seasonal events with your friends and family

Holiday events are sometimes the best way to get a seasonal job. You never know who you might meet there or who of your friends and family might produce a great job lead for you. Have your resume with you or a brief one-page that explains in bullet points what type of job you're looking for and how your skills match this position. By attending seasonal events you are more likely to land an interview for a seasonal position and eventually get the job.

e) Apply early for a seasonal position

Employers hire for seasonal positions in October and November. This means that you have to start your job search early September and apply early for seasonal positions. You may contact recruiters to help you determine which jobs suit you best and identify companies you would like to work for. In any case, you should keep in mind that employers have to check a pile of resumes right before the holiday season begins to fill in their open positions. So, the earliest you apply for a seasonal position the better chances you stand to be interviewed and land a job.

Overall, with 15 million Americans being unemployed, seasonal employment may be a temporary solution for some people who urgently need extra cash. According to a survey conducted by SnagAJob.com hiring levels are expected to rise by 26% compared to 2009, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2010, another 500,000 to 600,000 seasonal employees are expected to be hired during the holiday season. In such an unstable financial environment these figures are quite encouraging and employers need extra help in gift wrapping, shipping, warehouses, packaging, and other sections. All you have to do is focus on your job search and look for a seasonal job as you would look for permanent employment. After all, your seasonal position may eventually turn into a full-time position if you demonstrate dedication and professionalism.

Sources:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/How-to-optimize-a-holiday-job-brn-436390663.html?x=0&.v=1&.pf=career-work&mod=pf-career-work

http://www.allbusiness.com/labor-employment/human-resources-personnel-management/15271899-1.html