Looking for part-time work to help with expenses? I picked up some great ideas to pass on from a segment on The Today Show this morning. Keep in mind that the number of people looking for part-time or seasonal work this holiday season is up more than 120 percent from last year. Better get out there now.
Unfortunately, stores are hiring fewer seasons employees. But TODAY’s Jenna Wolfe gave some ideas for finding work that went beyond your standard job behind the perfume counter at Macy's.
A few places to look that you might not have thought about:
* Gyms. They begin hiring now (particularly recruiters) because right around the New Year people tend to join.
* Inventory services companies. Businesses look to year-end to count their inventory.
* Tax preparation companies. Many start the hiring process in December.
CLICK HERE FOR THE LINK TO THE FULL TV SEGMENT
Also, Ilyse Shapiro, founder of MyPartTimePro.com has these suggestions heading into the first quarter of the New Year:
* Consider universities seeking adjunct Spring semester instructors
* Educational firms looking for college test prep counselors
Are you looking for part-time work? Do you have any suggestions for others?
People should always check restaurants... thought some people equate it to digging ditches or hauling trash, people always have to eat! Though year-round schooling has seriously affected the restaurant business in our area, seasonal needs always indicate higher business for two seasons: summer and the holidays.
May and October are the best times to land a restaurant job, and you can stay at it long enough to find something you like. The only way to make any money, with gas being like it's been and the economy being so flippant, is by finding a restaurant to walk to from where you live.
I have found that online postings never produce as much fruitfulness in landing a job, as eating at a place, tipping a waitress well, talking to the manager, and then coming back to drop off your resume. This is a sure formula to make a good impression when you come back to fill out the application. Also, when you fill out the application, certain details that are best discussed in person should be filled in as "will discuss in interview". This makes it appear that you are not being evasive, but that you are really interested in working there. Employers are required to accept applications from anyone, but when they read over what you write, this is a sure way to actually get a real interview where you can ask the questions that you need answered before being sucked into a job. This also leaves it in the manager's mind subliminally that you already have an interview with them, so after reading your application, when they go over their schedule they'll be reminded to call you back in for an interview.
Experience is a plus, so for younger people, I recommend sticking it out for at least 5-6 months or a year. Don't bounce around jobs, because it looks like you aren't dedicated, and this is especially true when a restaurant manager looks at your application. Even if you don't have 10 years experience, this can still help you get the job before someone else.
There are also staffing agencies, so always check with them on Mondays. There are places who will work with you if you have a background, and there are also jobs that you can do like stuffing envelopes, etc. that aren't fun, but it's money from somewhere.
Be tenacious! Appearing in person at where you want to work is the best way -- don't call people repeatedly. You want people to get used to seeing your face where you want to work. Better to appear where you want to work rather than at the Dept. of Labor or the unemployment line.
Also, try job fairs! People who are really into planning a business will think far enough ahead to pool from applicants who are sincerely interested in working, so get on the computer and make your plans in advance.
Always leave your employer 2 weeks notice, and never leave a job without having another one. You want great references, so act with integrity in the job that you have and you will be sure to find another.
Posted by: AJA BROOKS | November 21, 2008 at 07:37 AM