Finding Seasonal Employment Opportunities

Finding seasonal work can provide much-needed income when you’re between jobs, decreasing stress and providing financial security. It can also help you build your resume with additional skills, and give you an opportunity to network and meet new people. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job, seasonal work or a full-time career, there are many ways to find seasonal job opportunities.

Traditional Methods

Start by researching traditional methods of finding a job: look through the classifieds in your local newspaper and search online job postings or job boards. Visit businesses that are likely to need seasonal help and inquire in person about job openings. Talk to friends, relatives and other professionals in your field to see if they have leads on seasonal positions.

You may be able to find seasonal work through a temp agency. Temporary staffing agencies exist to focus on short-term assignments, such as catering, promotional staff, agricultural work, and administrative positions. When you register with a temp agency, you’ll provide them with information about yourself and the types of work you’re looking for. You’ll usually need to interview with the agency, and probably will have to take certain assessments or tests to determine what type of work you might be best suited for. Temporary staffing agencies then match employers with prospective candidates.

Network

Networking is one of the best strategies for finding a job. Utilize your existing connections – if you have friends or family already working in a company, ask if they can put in a good word for you. You can also participate in job fairs, join networking organizations, and attend industry events, such as trade shows. Online networking sites, such as LinkedIn, are also effective ways to make connections and increase your visibility in the job market.

You can also reach out to mentors or industry professionals to get advice on different job opportunities, build your network, and practice talking to employers. These relationships can help open the door to new positions and provide valuable career advice.

Governmental Resources

Don’t forget about federal and state government resources. The US Department of Labor has multiple websites wherein you can input your location to search for jobs. The Small Business Administration and similar organizations can provide you with leads on potential seasonal positions. To find additional resources, you can visit your local library for help. Often it has books and other materials related to job opportunities.

Online Resources

There are numerous resources available to you on the Internet. Google for a job in your field or look up resources specifically related to your field, skills, or interests. Websites like Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor compile job postings from all over the web and provide sorting options to find jobs in your city or state. You can also check individual company websites for job postings.

It can also be helpful to sign up for job alerts. When you do, you’ll get an immediate notification when a company posts a job related to your skills. This helps you stay on top of the latest job postings so you can apply right away and give yourself a strong chance of landing the position.

Unconventional Sources

Think outside the box when it comes to seasonal job opportunities. Look for unique, one-off gigs or job postings that you can fill in the short-term. You might find work in the entertainment industry, or be able to offer services directly to consumers. Don’t be afraid to experiment with alternate sources of income — you can always build on these experiences to find other jobs later.

You may also find a volunteer opportunity that puts your skills to work and offers invaluable experience in exchange. Volunteering not only looks great on your resume, but you can also make further connections and gain more work experience that will help you land future seasonal roles.

Interviews

If you have an interview, make sure you’re prepared. Research the company you’re interviewing with, and develop a personalized portfolio to show potential employers. Come up with a few examples of how your skills and experience have helped you in past roles. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early, and present yourself confidently. Most importantly, be enthusiastic and positive about the job – employers are looking for individuals who are motivated and eager to work.

With a little bit of research, networking and preparation, you can find a seasonal job opportunity that’s perfect for you. Utilize the resources available to find the right position, and you can leverage seasonal employment into a full-time career.