During different periods of the year, the retail industry goes through highs and lows. This means that there will be specific times when they need more help and situations are available, but the situations are only temporary. Many of these retailers will have temporary retail jobs available which they are not as meticulous about filling with experienced employees. What this means for you is a prime opportunity to make some money and get that experience you needed.
Summer Retail Jobs
During the warm summer months, retailers like Wal-Mart and K-Mart see a rise in customers. This is due in part to the many young people out of school for the summer with a little extra money to spend. Along with these extra customers come the need for more cashiers, sales associates on the floor, and cleaning staff.
The huge retailers are not the only ones needing extra help during the summer. Below is a sample listing of major retailers that commonly add extra staff in the summer:
- Blockbuster Movie rentals—People like to get together more in the summer and this translates into more movie rentals
- Circuit City
- Portrait studios like those found in Sears and other department stores—people feel better and want to get new pictures made before those great summer tans fade
- Walgreens
- Pool supply stores
- Home and garden supply stores
Okay now that you know a little about where temporary retail vacancies may be found let's talk about when to apply.
The two major times of year that retailers add extra help are the beginning of summer and right before the holidays. To get in line for the summer retail jobs it is wise to begin putting in applications before the end of spring. This means for students that you will be applying before school is out.
Get out and put in as many applications as you can in your area. This is what is called beating the streets, leave no retailer unturned no matter how unlikely you think it is that you will be hired. Once all your applications are in, talk to everyone you know about all the places you applied to. You never know when a friend or a friend's parent may be in place to help you along in your summer retail job search.
Once you have finished networking among your friends you should ask teachers or school officials about good places for you to apply. Again, this is still putting the word out that you are interested in a temporary job. It never hurts to have a lot of people talking about you when you are looking for a summer retail job.
When it is getting close to time for school to be out call everyone you applied with and enquire about your application. You can ask if there is any more information they need or just make sure that your contact information is all still correct. Basically, anything that gets them to look at your application again. The key is for you to be remembered, and there is no shame in staying in contact with a potential employer.
Holiday Temporary Jobs
Around the holidays, retailers are also in need of temporary help. The difference here is students will likely find these positions harder to attain. This is because with school schedules and child-labor laws you will be limited on the hours and days you can work. However, for the person recently reentering the work force after a long absence, this is a great time to apply.
The best time to start applying for holiday jobs will be in early September. At first the hiring will be slow, but it will pick up. Retailers like to have holiday temporary staff trained and in place at least a week or so before Thanksgiving. The rules of application will be similar to the ones above. Get your applications in early and then follow them up with phone calls and, if possible, referrals from friends.
Finally
The best way to secure temporary retail jobs is to have a very open availability. This means you are willing to work any shift and any days required. When you have an application in that makes it easy for them to schedule you, you will be more likely to get the position.
Once you have a temporary retail job you must not slack off. This is your opportunity to show the retailer that you have what it takes to be a full-time employee. However, do not be upset if at the end of the season they let you go. This was still great experience and will put you another leg up when applying for another retail job in the future.
