Need a job? These companies are hiring!

The decorations are up and the jingles are playing. It may only be the beginning of November but it seems it’s never too early to get into the festive spirit. Seasonal employment is once again on everyone’s minds as for the first time in months thousands of employers will advertise multiple vacancies at the same time. While to most holiday work offers a short term cash flow, for some it can lead to a more permanent position, and could turn into a career in retail or management.

Competition this year might be somewhat tougher as employers remain wary of increasing expenditure. Speaking with the Wall Street Journal Human Resources consulting firm the Hoy group reports that 25 of the nation’s largest retailers are expected to hire 5 – 25% less than the previous year. However, one’s festive spirit should not be dampened as the survey reveals how employers may be in a position to increase their hiring if sales trends continue to optimistically rise. Based on information from 30 retailers sales figures rose 1.8% from October 2008 – figures that may not excite but certainly indicate progress.

As reported in MSN Career builder, the following large companies are hiring for the holiday season:

1. AT&T
Industry: Communications
Number of openings: 1000+
Seasonal positions available: Retail sales associates; store managers; and sales support
Location: Nationwide

2. A Wireless
Industry: Telecommunications
Number of openings: 250+
Seasonal positions available: Store managers; sales consultants; district managers; information technology; customer service
Location: Nationwide

3. Blockbuster
Industry: Entertainment
Number of openings: 1000+
Seasonal positions available: Retail sales associates; store managers
Location: Nationwide

4. Hhgregg
Industry: Appliance and electronics retail
Number of openings: 800+
Seasonal positions available: Appliance and electronics sales
Location: Indiana; Ohio; Kentucky; Alabama; Georgia; Florida; North Carolina; South Carolina; Tennessee

5. Hickory Farms
Industry: Specialty retail
Number of openings: 4,000
Seasonal positions available: Sales associate
Location: Nationwide, shopping malls

6. Macy’s
Industry: Retail
Number of openings: 1,000 +
Seasonal positions available: Part-time season retail help in gift wrap, sales associates, etc.
Location: Nationwide

7. Olan Mills Studio
Industry: Studio photography
Number of openings: 100+
Seasonal positions available: Photographers; portrait sales; customer service
Location: Ala., Ga., Pa., Ky., Tenn., N.C., Ind., Mich.

8. RadioShack
Industry: Electronics sales
Number of openings: 1000
Seasonal positions available: Retail sales associates
Location: 250 cities

9. Toys”R”Us
Industry: Specialty retail
Number of openings: 35,000
Seasonal positions available: Management positions; sales associates, including cashiers, shelf stockers and customer service roles; and back-of-house stock opportunities
Location: Nationwide

10. UPS
Industry: Shipping and distribution
Number of openings: 200+
Seasonal positions available: Package delivery drivers; tractor trailer driver
Location: Nationwide

Steve Millians, a recruiter for Michael’s Store Inc expects to hire 10,000 seasonal workers this year, up from 7,300 last year; with about 10% typically recruited into staff positions. Seasonal workers who want to remain employed after the holidays could do the following things to bolster their chances:

• Offer to work flexible hours like weekends and nights. More availability increases your appeal to employers
• Point of relevant Experience and show what you have learned. The busy holidays are a great way to become immersed in the products and protocol of your job. Employers prefer to promote from within and if you display knowledge of the company you will definitely have an advantage.
• Work hard and take extra duties. This shows a commitment and a dedication to the work. If nothing is available in your department, and if you have adequate knowledge of the other areas of the company, you may be considered for a position elsewhere.
• Be assertive. Let your employers know that you are interested in a position within the company. Let them know that you enjoy the work and show them that you are doing a good job.

Seasonal employment is a great way to make some extra cash for the holidays. Remember that competition will be stiff so you should start your job search now. Hand out applications to larger stores and request to speak with a manager. Inform them that you are applying for a seasonal position and ask them to contact you when they are conducting interviews. Also, an early start will give you an advantage as you will have more experience than your co-workers, if you decide to apply for a full time position. With employers hiring job seekers for both the holidays and the post-holiday sales, there could be amazing opportunities for full time employment.