Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Holiday Job

Holiday hiring is here, and many people have been or will be working a seasonal job this year. While some of those workers will use these jobs as a way to bring extra income, many hope that this will be their jumping off point into full-time work.

If you’re one of those workers wanting your holiday job to become permanent, there are a few things you should know to set yourself up for success.

Consider This Your Audition

If the employer has made the decision to hire you and invest in your training, there’s a good chance they’ll consider hiring you for a full-time position once the holidays are complete. Many businesses see seasonal work as a chance to audition workers for the next round of hiring they plan to do in the new year.

Take advantage of this opportunity and make sure you treat this part-time job like the full-time work that you are seeking. Show up on time, pay attention during training, show an interest in the work you’re doing, and be consistent in showing great service to both the customers and management.

Prepare Mentally for the Work

It’s time to be honest. This may not be the most glamorous work. It could include long hours that start very early or very late in the day, being on your feet for extended periods of time, and dealing with customers who might not always be in the holiday spirit.

But if you come to terms with those truths, you’re going to have a head start on the job competition and impress your supervisor with your willingness to overcome tough situations. And remember, this is a seasonal job. If you’re hired for a full-time job, there’s a good chance the hours will become more regular and customers won’t be as frantic.

Be Ready for What’s Next

At the end of the season, the company may not be in a position to add any additional full-time workers, but if your goal is to turn this job into a full-time position, don’t get down. If you’ve done a good job, your supervisor will be willing to give you a great letter of recommendation to help you land that permanent position.

Plus, adding work experience and the lessons you learned from this job, like customer service, handling high-stress situations, multi-task management, and others, will only help strengthen your resume for your next job. And in your next job interview, you’re going to be able to reference specific lessons you learned from seasonal work and why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

Are you doing seasonal work that you hope leads to a full-time job? If so, what tips would you give to others in your situation? Share them in the comments section below.