According to a recent survey by CareerBuilder, 18 percent of employers plan to hire seasonal workers during this years’ holiday season. At a time when employers are so reluctant to hire at all, this is a better outlook than expected for 2009. In fact, the forecast reflects a number very similar to last year, when a reported 17 percent of hiring managers employed seasonal work.
Those seeking seasonal employment will face a great deal of stiff competition, though. They will not only go up against the flood of unemployed workers but will also face competition from college students as well as employed Americans who are looking to work second jobs for supplemental income. The most popular jobs for seasonal employment this year include administrative/clerical, technology and accounting/finance.
These positions can present a greater opportunity in the long-term. Landing a seasonal job can be a good chance at getting a foot in the door this season, since 31 percent of hiring managers reported they were likely to hire a seasonal worker for a full-time job later on. So how can you beat out the competition for one of these positions?
The following are a few recommended tips for individuals looking to land a seasonal job:
- Start looking right away: if you haven’t submitted applications for seasonal employment yet, start today! November is the ideal time for securing seasonal employment, so identify and apply for opportunities now.
- Offer what they need: with so many qualified applicants looking for seasonal employment, it is important to show the qualities hiring managers are looking for. Such qualities include reliability and enthusiasm. In fact, nearly half of employers surveyed said a candidate who lacked enthusiasm during their interview even turned them off.
- Research the company: nearly a quarter of hiring managers surveyed said that having no knowledge of the company or products discouraged them from hiring a seasonal applicant. A simple way to prepare for your interview is researching the company’s website. Look for press releases, information on services, products, etc. Knowing about the company during your interview will show the hiring manager you are serious about the position.
- Offer flexibility: when it comes to seasonal employment, fluctuating hours come with the territory! According to the survey, 47 percent of hiring managers said they were actually turned off by candidates who refused to work certain hours. Hiring managers need individuals who are open to alternating hours, so let the hiring manager know you’re ready to take on the schedule.
Sources:
South Florida Business Journal
