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In our post on being a seasonal worker during the holidays, we made a strong argument for why now is a good time to start considering seasonal work if you are in the job market (or not, but open to some extra cash). And if you’re on the other side of the hiring desk? Here’s how to hire seasonal workers for the holidays and still keep the happy in your happy holidays. hire seasonal workers for holidays

Tips if You Plan to Hire Seasonal Workers for the Holidays

If you’re a student who wants to make cash over the holiday break, or between jobs and looking for a short-term opportunity, you might want to consider seasonal work during the holidays as an option. Essentially, seasonal work during the holidays is the same as any temporary job, but usually addresses special needs of the Christmas shopping season. Specifics vary but generally it's to deal with the period that starts with “Black Friday” (the day after Thanksgiving) and ends early to mid January. Some of the additional job opportunities are obvious.  For example, delivery services need extra help with the surge of shipments, retailers need extra staff to restock shelves or check out customers. But the number of seasonal jobs – predicted to be over 700,000 this year may surprise you. seasonal work during the holidays

Things to know about seasonal work during the holidays:

These days, we are just spoilt for choice. The simple job search tips we held dear twenty years ago have been discarded. Why? Because time marches on. Fifteen years ago, we followed up on job inquiries with a telephone (and silent prayer). Ten years ago, we counted ourselves lucky because we could email resumes and cover letters instead of licking envelopes and stamps. But today, we update LinkedIn profiles, search for jobs on Indeed.com, check salaries on Glassdoor.com and apply for positions on company websites. You should still employ K.I.S.S. -- Keep It Simple, Stupid -- when on a job search. simple job search tips

Some simple job search tips that are as good as new:

Even though there has been an enormous uptick in remote arrangements, home offices and other flexible work plans, most people still spend a lot of their 9 to 5 in a setting planned by someone else. The good news is, companies can update the office space in ways that can truly impact employee satisfaction and productivity, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. update the office space

Ways to update the office space.

There’s something that just sounds cool about being an entrepreneur. It conjures up visions of making your own hours, answering to no one but yourself, following a passion, and making a great fortune. And technically, all of that can be true if you start your own business. But most people know it’s a long road from an idea on a napkin to world domination (if that’s your kind of thing).

start your own business

Here are things to consider before you start your own business:

Tastes change over time. Trends become cliches. Yesterday’s cool is today’s bad joke. And career advice is no different -- what used to be a good idea...just isn't. Bad job search advice is dangerous when it’s an out of date strategy. And some bad advice always was. Either way, it can make a good candidate look bad, before they even get started. bad job search advice

So here’s a warning -- five examples of bad job search advice:

You're sitting across the interview table from a prospective candidate. Their resume is in your hand. You have a notebook of questions to ask and a pen ready to record their responses. As you begin the conversation, you find that they are witty, well-read, and an extensive traveler, as are you. Like your business partner, they enjoy Italian reds and domestic beer. The company softball team needs a new pitcher and they played varsity in high school. This person begins to evolve into more than your next supply manager. They just make sense. They’re the right. . . cultural fit. Hiring them is a no-brainer. Or is it? cultural fit

The pros and cons of hiring for cultural fit.

If you are new to the hiring process, or a veteran looking to improve your vetting skills, read on. We have a few unusual hiring tips that you may not have thought of. Most of those who hire regularly have gotten good at spotting red flags like gaps on resumes, or noting bad communication skills during the interview.  But these extra efforts could be incredibly helpful in really learning all you can about your candidate. unusual hiring tips

Some unusual hiring tips to consider:

When you are reviewing your resume or preparing for an interview, you will likely take inventory of all your experience and accomplishments. But there are some skills every employee should have that you might be undervaluing if you have them (or need to acquire if you don’t). Not all jobs require the same talents, but these are some universal qualities that most employers will value. skills every employee should have

Here are skills every employee should have: