BBB Recommends Starting Your Search Now if you are Looking for Seasonal Employment

Stores both large and small need to hire extra help for the holidays, however, some companies last year found they were shorthanded because of a strategy that saw many retail sales begin after Halloween and continue until December 31st.

There are a number of reasons to begin your job search early, even before the “Help Wanted” signs go up. Aside from getting your foot in the door, it also may give you the opportunity to speak directly with the store’s manager. As a result, they may hire you to fill a position before the hiring blitz begins. In a matter of weeks, managers will be going through dozens or hundreds of resumes. By then, getting to see the people who hire will be much more difficult if not impossible.

Seasonal employment opportunities are available at malls, local businesses, branches of national chains, florists, caterers, delivery services and retail stores, on the floor, at the cash register and in the back room.

The growth of online shopping offers its own opportunities, including filling orders and working for delivery companies.

Better Business Bureau Serving Metro Atlanta, Athens & Northeast Georgia offers some advice to help you win that seasonal job:

Beware of employment scams - These begin with an email or a phone call from someone who claims they saw your resume online, and that you are the perfect candidate for a particular job. The position likely doesn’t match any of your skills or experience or may be entirely fake. Some require applicants to pay upfront costs for background checks or training, and provide personal information including a Social Security and bank account numbers, even before they make a formal job offer. Legitimate employers will never do any of those.

Dress the part - If you are approaching this seriously, ditch the yoga pants, jeans and t-shirts. Dress as you would for any professional interview. Always have some extra resumes on hand or in your car.

Apply where you shop - We shop at many stores where we know the products. If you know a given store’s merchandise or corporate culture, fill out an application. That gives you an edge over applicants who don’t shop there.

Go social for opportunities - Social, as in social media. A growing number of employers use social media because they get good results without having to lay out a bundle for advertising.

Wow them with research - A company’s website is always a good place to learn about job opportunities and corporate culture. Show that you have researched the company. It indicates that you care and have taken the time to prepare and learn about their business.

While retailers are looking at ways to prepare for the holiday rush, the fact is that they will need help. If you are prepared and apply early, there is a better chance you will land the job sooner, rather than not at all.