Now is the Time to Apply for Seasonal Positions

It is the end of August now and the summer is coming to a close.  The long, happy sunny days are leaving us.  We will now have to deal with the cold of autumn and winter.  This means paying more to heat our homes. Also, using the washer and dryer more since we will all be wearing more layers of clothes.  Plus, we must make plans for holiday shopping.  All of this means we need more money.

On an upnote, this is the perfect time of year to gather job applications for stores.  Many of you are already working full-time, but it is just not bringing in enough money.  Now is the time to work a second job.  I know it is depressing to be forced to do that, but you can work two jobs at once during the holiday season and not go crazy.  It is a good time to fill out the applications, since you can return them in the beginning of September.

Many retailers like to hire at the beginning of September so the staff will be properly trained by the time the Christmas rush comes in.  The down side to this, is yes, you will be working during the Christmas rush.  The plus side is, you will be making extra money and probably getting a really nice discount.  When you work at a store that gives a nice discount, it is perfect for Christmas shopping. 

If you are currently unemployed, this is also a good option for you.  Many retailers will hire you for part-time, seasonal work for the holidays, but if you show a desire to work more hours, they will probably have more to give you as it gets closer to Christmas.  If they really like you, they may keep you on for part-time work after Christmas.  Certainly this can be a difficult time for you if you've never worked in retail before or you are looking for a better job, but keep in mind many employers want to see you are working rather than staying on unemployment.  It might not look perfect on a resume, but working in retail looks better than nothing.

So if you've decided you want (or need) extra money for the winter months, make sure to start gathering your applications at the end of August.  Start returning them in September, but make sure to talk to a manager when you return the applications.  It helps to show up with a smiling face and make a great impression.  Good luck to you!