In just a few weeks, the walkways of the nation's malls and shopping centers will be packed with anxious holiday shoppers out to find the perfect gifts. This phenomenon means one thing for job seekers across the country: increased retail opportunities.
Retail hiring managers coast to coast are gearing up for the shopping season, and are anticipating increases in hiring across the board. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), retailers increased their staffing by 3.2 percent during the holidays in 2002, which equated to an additional 750,000 holiday jobs. Hiring managers are already reporting big plans for holiday opportunities in 2003. CareerBuilder.com's "Hiring Trends 2003" survey found that 78 percent of retail hiring managers plan to hire new employees by the end of the year, with 85 percent hoping to fill open positions in one month or less.
These seasonal retail job openings are often ideal for college students who need extra funds and will have time off during the holidays, or anyone else with immediate employment needs.
So with all of the retail opportunities out there, it's a walk in the park to nail down a position, right?
Wrong. Retailers are looking for employees who are motivated, enthusiastic, and have a good customer service attitude – not just bodies to stand behind a counter. Pursuing a retail position – even if it is a temporary holiday position – should be done with the same professionalism and dedication as any other job search. Keep in mind these tips when shopping around for a seasonal gig:
1. The squeaky wheel gets the oil.
Just like with any other job opening, persistence pays off, as does face time with the hiring manager. Don't simply fill out an application and drop it off at the front counter. Ask to speak to the manager first. Introduce yourself, let him or her know why you are interested in a position, and make sure your name is known. After your interview, be sure to send a thank you letter and follow up. Retail managers are extremely busy at any time of the year, but their time cards get even more packed during the holidays. Sometimes, a follow-up phone call can make all the difference.
2. Dress for success.
In any business, first impressions go a long way. Your image is important to retailers, particularly when you are trying to set yourself apart from the pack of others who are looking for similar holiday work. Dressing professionally, even if you are just going into the store to fill out an application, will make you stand out from the crowd. Never fill out an application or submit your resume dressed in casual attire, or worse yet, in ripped jeans and an old sweatshirt – this sends the hiring manager the impression that you do not take the opportunity seriously.
3. Act like a pro.
When you are looking for any job, it pays to be professional. This is just as true in retail. Carefully fill out your application to make sure you do not have spelling or grammatical errors. Show up early for your interview and be prepared. Alert your references to the applications you are submitting. These simple steps will demonstrate to a prospective employer that you have respect for the company and will have respect for its customers, too.
4. Take the job seriously.
If you are hired for a holiday retail position, be sure to give it your all and take it as seriously as you would any other opportunity. There are experiences to be gained from the retail environment that are extremely valuable to companies in a wide variety of industries. Qualities like customer service, effective time and stress management, teamwork and conflict resolution are all used extensively in the retail environment, and are qualities that recruiters in a wide range of businesses look for in candidates. Make the most of your retail experience and develop these qualities. They will almost certainly pay off in the future.
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