Companies start announcing seasonal positions long before holiday seasons begin. You should not wait until the deadlines posted for jobs; begin applying as soon as possible. If you do so, you will get a much-needed head start in the recruitment process.
Though plenty of seasonal opportunities exist in the retail industry, the employment situation can get extremely competitive since seasonal jobs are the only viable employment alternative for many students. Therefore, it is advisable to look for a seasonal job upfront before it gets too late to find one.
Many retailers complete their hiring just before the holiday season commences, but most retailers start advertising a month or two before the start of the season. They usually employ larger-than-usual staffs during such periods because they must accommodate the seasonal rush.
Seasonal Employers and Job Seekers
It is not always necessary to locate a new employer offering a seasonal job. Ask previous employers if they are willing to take you on. Retailers spend a considerable amount of time training seasonal employees, so if you have worked for a store before, your former manager will likely appreciate the opportunity to hire an experienced worker. If you are seeking a seasonal job for the first time, ask your friends for advice or meet with a student counselor to discuss local employment options.
Keep in mind that, besides students, gainfully employed individuals looking for additional income and unemployed candidates seeking full-time jobs also contribute to the sizeable numbers of applications employers receive during the holiday season. Additionally, current employees offer to work long hours to earn supplementary income.
Employer Expectations
Once you start a seasonal retail job, the retailer will expect you to stick around for the entire season. Retailers will also expect you to overcome the learning curve relatively quickly. It is your responsibility to gather as many details as you can about the job beforehand. Additionally, ask your employer how long your job will last.
Since most retailers will pay you on an hourly basis, inquire about the number of hours you will work each week. During holiday seasons, there is always the possibility of working overtime to handle the rush. Find out if your retailer will pay you for overtime and, if so, at what rate. Also, brief yourself beforehand on employment rules and regulations to avoid getting into an unpleasant situation with an employer later on.
Future Employment
Your seasonal employer may or may not decide to take you on as a permanent employee. Retailers consider many factors, such as familiarity with the job, training received, and abilities acquired. For this reason, it is always a good idea to ask the retail manager if he or she will consider you for a permanent position. Additionally, most retailers fill job openings internally, so you should also look for listings posted on the store's message board or the company's website. Although your boss may not be able to hire you right away, positions may open up in the future. Staying on good terms with a former seasonal employer may pay off later on down the line.
Seasonal employment can lead to a very exciting permanent opportunity. If you have experience as a seasonal employee, you have already come a long way toward seeking a permanent retail job.
