The Top Holiday Jobs for College Students

Holiday season can be very frustrating especially if you're looking for a job. Finding a seasonal job as a college student is a good way to earn some extra income, acquire working experience or even figure out what career you want to follow after graduation. Some of the most popular jobs for college students during the holiday season involve, but are not limited to, retailing, restaurants and bars, tutoring, holiday events, package handling, babysitting, and ski resorts.

In particular:

Working in Retail

Retailing jobs are a good option for college students because little experience is required and great flexibility is offered. You can work different shifts every day, but you may also be asked to work weekends and late hours. Typically, the places to do a job search for retail jobs are the shopping malls because of the great number of retail stores available such as department stores, warehouse stores, grocery stores, resale stores and so on. Retail jobs include positions in sales, customer service, stocking, gift wrapping and cashier.

Working in Restaurants & Bars

During holiday season bars and restaurants experience an increase in volume because people go out, get together more often after work and have more free time. If you already possess a working experience in the field, it won't be difficult to land a job as a bartender, host, cook or server. All you need is combine your working experience with superior customer service to enjoy generous tips.

Working as a Tutor

Many college students who excel in their classes undertake tutoring classes during holiday season. As a tutor you can earn good money and establish a good network of tutees who can recommend you to more people as the classes move on. If you are a graduate student, you can undertake undergraduate students. Also, by posting your resume in the college board or handing it around to let people know you are interested in tutoring, you are becoming well known and eventually you might be recommended for a year-round career after receiving proper education and training.

Working at Holiday Events

During holiday season there are many holiday events taking place and hosted by different organizations. Some companies host banquet parties and need extra help from seasonal catering workers. If you are interested in working at holiday events you should contact local catering companies to see what seasonal positions they have available. If you are hired for a holiday event position you will be required to assist in setting up the event and coordinating it. Especially, if you have any previous experience in working at a restaurant or in catering, it will be very helpful.

Working in Package Handling

Delivery package companies are on the hiring swing during holiday season because they experience an increase in volume. For instance, United Parcel Service (UPS) is expected to hire 50,000 seasonal workers through the end of December 2010. If you apply for a package handling position you will be required to sort packages and help in unloading and delivering the increasing number of packages during holiday season. Also, package handling jobs offer great flexibility in shifts and it is great seasonal job opportunity for college students who are young and physically strong.

Working as a Babysitter

If you haven't worked as a babysitter before, you may face a slight difficulty when applying for this seasonal position. Make sure you create a strong resume by including all the references from parents that you have previously babysat for. Compile a separate letter of recommendation from each parent and include their names and phone numbers so that they can be easily contacted by future parents. Write down the hours that you are available for babysitting, morning or evening hours, location, as well as your name and phone number. Above all, show motivation and willingness to deal with babies and the challenges of babysitting.

Working at Ski Resorts

Many people consider ski as a way of life and for many of them the holiday season is the ultimate time of year to enjoy ski and snowboard . If you love ski and you are into this kind of lifestyle you have many options to get a seasonal job at a ski resort as a ski instructor, snowboard instructor, chalet host, resort representative and many others. There are so many job opportunities at ski resorts during holiday season that anyone can get a seasonal job and combine the ideal job with an exhilarating experience.

Overall, as a college student you have many options to land a job during holiday season. Keep in mind that employers are looking for highly-driven individuals who are ready to work Saturdays and Sundays, Christmas Eve and the day after Thanksgiving. Therefore, first figure out what type of seasonal job you would love to do and why, and then commit to the holiday season showing reliability, flexibility and professionalism. By following these simple tips you are very likely not only to land a seasonal job, but also turn it to a year-round career.

Sources:

http://www.survivalinsight.com/holiday-jobs-for-students.html

http://collegelife.about.com/od/moneyfinances/a/holidayjobs.htm