Don't Overlook Seasonal Work

If you’re an out-of-work professional, you may think that taking seasonal work--for instance, in a retail environment or in package delivery--is counterproductive. But most experts say that's not necessarily so.

Career expert Jean Baur, the author of "Eliminated! Now What?: Finding Your Way from Job-Loss Crisis to Career Resilience," says, "In general I think it's a great idea to take an interim job." She gives an example of a senior-level finance manager who took a job driving a limo during the holidays. "This not only made him money," Baur says, "but also gave him a chance to meet high-level people--his customers. And he just happened to mention that he was in transition during the ride to the airport, had a stack of resumes on the front passenger seat, and even got an interview out of it."

(Get job-interview tips and advice.) 

It's Not Just Retail
And not all seasonal jobs are in stores or delivery trucks. Think of other places that get busier during the holidays: for instance, restaurants, catering companies, nurseries, babysitting services, beauty salons, and more. Also consider signing up with a temporary-staffing agency in your industry or for general office workers. Many offices have end-of-year "crunch" periods, and people often take vacations during the holidays. Even a short-term "answering the phones and making copies" job can be a foot in the door at a new company.

(Get more tips on finding seasonal work and real-world advice on surviving a holiday-season retail job.)

Look to Your Resume for Transferable Skills
If you decide to look for seasonal work, make sure to update your resume so that it's relevant to the job you're applying for. In any retail or customer-service position, "one of the most marketable skills is your communication abilities," says Baur. "If you haven't sold cosmetics or helped a do-it-yourselfer find the right tool, but you have managed a team or given presentations or solved complex problems, sell those skills--as well as your ability to learn a new role quickly."

(Get more advice on crafting an effective resume.)

And when the holiday season is over, you may wonder about listing a temporary job on your resume. Baur suggests, "Don't list them unless they're relevant to the job you're looking for. What I would always list, however, is new skills, classes, anything that shows that you're motivated and learning."

Career expert Lauren Milligan, of www.ResuMAYDAY.com, says, "The important thing to remember is that if the job doesn't add value to your overall career plan, it's best to minimize."

But you don't need to hide the fact that you took a gift-wrapping or package-delivery job during the holidays. All jobs offer learning experiences and opportunities to gain skills and knowledge. When the job ends, identify what you've learned, so you can figure out whether that can be incorporated into your career "story."

Milligan says, "Overall, I do think it's in the candidate's best interest to break up an employment gap--so adding it in is always my first choice. For extra sparkle, get a complimentary quote from your seasonal employer."

What do you think about taking a seasonal job during the holidays? Let me know in the comments section, or find me on Twitter and send a message.

 

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