How To Get An Edge For A Holiday Job

With unemployment now topping ten percent, and retailers paring expenses, the competition for holiday jobs is expected to be fierce.  But you can make your application rise to the top.

John Challenger with Challenger Gray & Christmas says, "Retailers really are in the drivers seat this year, not creating as many jobs as back when the expansion was going on in the earlier part of the decade, and so they have a lot of people to choose from."

Whether you're looking for full-time work or a part-time gig, you might ask yourself if you're willing to work weekends and days like black friday and christmas eve.

Jason Ferrera, Senior Market Analyst with CareerBuilder says, "It's important to maintain some flexibility, understand what that employer's demands are going to be on your time."

Try to apply in person. Challenger says, "Get to the store manager and let him or her see what you're really about, your personality, your openness, your optimism, the way you present yourself in their outlet."

Don't limit your options to the cash register. Challenger says, "You might work in the warehouse, in the back room doing inventory."

And whatever job you're looking for, do it quickly. Ferrera adds, "The window of hiring for seasonal jobs is closing rapidly, it's at the end of November when that window will really close. So if you're looking for seasonal employment, the competition is fierce, so you need to apply immediately for those roles."