Tap attitude, interests to land a temporary position during holiday season

Students and professionals with a more seasonal schedule, such as teachers or landscapers, are a natural fit to add extra staffing for the busy holiday retail season. However, those who have been unemployed for several months and others just seeking some extra holiday cash are also throwing themselves into the mix. How can each of these hopefuls best position themselves to land a job this winter?

Father and daughter workplace experts Larry and Meagan Johnson encourage job seekers not to overlook the advantage their age can bring to a position, whether they be young or more mature.

"College kids may have no retail experience, but they do have computer and technology expertise, physical stamina, great looks and an ability to relate to teen shoppers." They are a natural fit for electronics, music and fashion retailers, the Johnsons say.

Full-time professionals, such as teachers and social workers, or the long-time unemployed also may lack retail experience, but they offer valuable people skills for stores with customers of a similar demographic, they say.

"For example, people who shop at Walmart, Sam's Club, the big box home improvement stores or other discount chains tend to be older and would rather get advice and guidance from someone who appears to share their values, lifestyle and background."

The bottom line: Think about where you like to shop, be it every day or during the holidays, and apply your enthusiasm for that place to your job search.

Kasey Harboe, senior consultant for SHL Group, reminds job seekers to think beyond retail when looking for seasonal work. She suggests winter resorts; delivery and transportation companies such as UPS and FedEx; and tax preparation agencies as good places to start.

Christine Durst of RatRaceRebellion.com, a job site that focuses on home-based careers, suggests thinking beyond the holidays to ensure your temporary position leads to continuing work.

"Seasonal hiring goes beyond the ho-ho-ho," she says. "Companies that process taxes hire during the tax filing season, flower companies hire for Mother's Day, Valentine's Day. Always think about where your next seasonal gig could be and lay the ground work to go after it."

Another opportunity for a longer-range temporary job is seeking work through a temporary agency.

"Don't forget temporary placement agencies," Harboe says. "They are a great place to start looking for temporary positions. Many organizations that need temporary hires contract these positions to temp agencies."

Expanding the list of places in need of seasonal work may be all that's needed to realize how your experience can apply toward a temporary position, but others still may be scratching their heads.

Harboe suggests throwing away the idea of your traditional, chronological resume. "Rather than focus on the resume itself, applicants should focus on highlighting key competencies for success in jobs involving customer interactions," she says. "Don't worry so much about the chronology of a resume -- bring applicable and relatable experiences to the fore."

One thing all employers hiring for the season are looking for is a positive attitude. Highlighting a time when you diffused a tense situation may provide a good boost to your seasonal application.

"Happy as the holidays are, for many people -- especially frantic shoppers -- it's a time when patience runs low and tempers run high," she says. "Let hirers know that you can handle high-stress situations with diplomacy and a positive attitude."

Durst says that your availability may be your best asset toward landing seasonal work.

"Be flexible and available. Don't be an hour diva," she says. "When a company hires seasonal help it's because they are inundated with business. Let the hirer know that you are willing and able to work as many hours as they need you for. Say yes to weekends, evenings and even holidays, and you'll stand out in the crowd."