Los Angeles Times

Now’s your chance: 3 tips for finding the perfect holiday job

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E very year, it seems as though the winter holiday shopping season begins earlier and earlier. Before the last Halloween-themed candy bag has been removed from the shelves, stores have already started decking their walls with holiday décor.

Then there are those stores that prefer to wait until after Thanksgivi­ng before celebratin­g the next round of holidays.

If you’re in the market for a seasonal job we’ve compiled tips for pursuing the perfect position.

Find a job that fits your needs. When searching for a holiday position, think about what you’re looking for in an ideal job. Are flexible hours important? How much does the company culture matter? Do you want to work somewhere known for its great benefits? Is location a major factor?

If you’re job searching on-the-go, CareerBuil­der’s mobile website has recently rolled out the addition of filters to make your mobile job search more precise. This includes a distance filter, which allows you to search within five miles of a desired zip code — a helpful feature if finding a job near your home tops your wish list.

Find a job with staying power. While not always the case, many job seekers are hoping that their holiday gig eventually turns into a full-time career. According to a recent CareerBuil­der survey, there are good odds of that happening: 57 percent of employers predict they’ll transition some seasonal staff into full-time roles.

If that’s your goal, don’t be afraid to ask the hiring manager if the position could turn permanent, and make it clear that you’re interested. If hired, prove that you’re worth the long-term investment by going above and beyond your job descriptio­n and being a trusted, go-to resource for your boss.

Find a company that plays to your strengths. While retail reigns during the holiday season, don’t worry if retail sales isn’t your strong suit. CareerBuil­der’s survey found that companies across industries are hiring for a variety of areas, including customer service, clerical support, inventory management, hosting and shipping/delivery. No matter what kind of job you’re seeking, here are five diverse companies that are currently hiring for a range of seasonal roles:

1. Booker

Industry: Software Sample job titles: Client success specialist, sales developmen­t representa­tive, QA analyst, developer

Locations: New York; Orange County, Calif.; Scottsdale, Ariz.; Landsdale, Penn.

2. ICW Group

Industry: Insurance Sample job titles: Claims examiner, business developmen­t underwrite­r, underwriti­ng tech, premium auditor, risk management consultant, IT

Locations: San Diego, Sacramento, Pleasanton and Woodland Hills, Calif.; Lake Mary, Fla; Wayne, Pa.

3. Paper Source

Industry: Retail Sample job titles: Part-time customer service associate

Locations: Nationwide

4. Shoe Show

Industry: Retail Sample job titles: Retail manager, retail sales associate, keyholder, store manager

Locations: Nationwide

5. Spencer Gifts

Industry: Retail Sample job titles: Sales associate, store manager, assistant store manager

Locations: Nationwide

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