How to Find the Right Seasonal Job For You

A seasonal job is temporary employment that, as you might guess, lasts the length of the season. Seasonal jobs can be a great way to gain experience, travel, or save up for holiday expenses. Thinking of taking up a position this autumn or winter? Here are a few valuable tips on applying and some job ideas to get the ball rolling.

Getting Hired

Apply early. Seasonal employers will often start hiring a season or two ahead, so keep in mind that applications for most winter gigs will open a few months beforehand.

Prep your resume. Just like any other job, having your skills and experience laid out in an up-to-date document is a must. Tailor your resume so that it relates to the job you’re applying for, and have a friend give it an extra look-over.

Get certified. Certain jobs will require you to have a certificate or special training, so be sure to read up on what’s expected before you apply.

Jobs to Consider

Retail Associate. Let’s start with the big one. Before the season even starts, retailers big and small will be gearing up a storm of holiday shoppers. Look for positions in inventory and sales, as extra help will be needed to manage the sales floor and the stock rooms.

Festival Worker. From malls to local libraries, a variety of venues will be hosting festivals and concerts this holiday season. They’ll need help with set-up, running the event, and take-down, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Tour Guide. Live near a historic site or national park? Do you enjoy talking to people, feel comfortable with public speaking, and have a knack for memorizing facts? Then a tour guide job could be a good fit.

Rideshare Driver. With the holiday season comes plenty of travel, mostly to and from airports, so rideshare companies like Uber, Lyft, and Amazon Flex will be looking for extra drivers. But first, check their sites to see if your car meets the proper standards.

Resort Worker. Live near a hot (or snowy) vacation spot? From ski instructors to gift shop helpers, resorts will need plenty of extra help as they start to fill with vacationers.

Holiday Helper. The next best thing to being one of Santa’s elves? Helping send gifts across the country. With online shopping on the rise, companies like FedEx, UPS, and even Amazon will be looking for extra hands to help with packing, processing, and delivering orders.

There are hundreds of other temporary jobs out there, so keep your eyes peeled. The best part of seasonal jobs is, even though they only last a short while, they give you the opportunity to work in an entirely different field. So do your research, apply early, and don’t be afraid to try something new!

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