It may already be December, but holiday employment is still a great way for job seekers and employers to “try each other out.” Job seekers can work for a company without a huge commitment and employers can hire new people without giving them a full time job with all the benefits right away. This situation can be a win win. Follow our tips for both job seekers and employers to make the most of this holiday season.

Tips for Job Seekers

1. Apply today: Christmas is in three weeks which means that it’s crunch time for businesses. They need help and if you’re willing to work you can take a short term job and make extra money this season.

2. Explore job boards and Listings: Look on all the online job boards. Maui County Virtual Job Fair has only jobs for Maui County. Hirenet is just the state of Hawaii with a lot of Maui County government job opportunities. Beware of scams on sites like Craigslist and don’t give your information to anyone if you’re not sure who the employer is. Research everyone before you send an email or resume.

3. Visit Local Businesses: Retailers, restaurants, and other service industries often need extra help during the holidays. Walk into local stores or malls and inquire about openings. Bring a few copies of your resume and be ready for an informal interview.

4. Network: Let friends, family, and acquaintances know you’re looking for a holiday job. Many opportunities are filled through word-of-mouth so let everyone you know!

5. Social Media: Follow the social media pages of companies you’re interested in. Many retailers and businesses post job openings and hiring events on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. You may even want to reach out via email to a business you love and share your resume and why you’d love to help them over the holidays.

6. Be Open to Different Kinds of Work:

Common holiday job roles include:
• Retail sales associate
• Customer service representative
• Warehouse worker (e.g., Amazon, FedEx, UPS)
• Delivery driver for companies like UPS, FedEx, or local couriers.
• Event staff for holiday parties and community events.

7. Stay Flexible: Holiday jobs often require weekend, evening, or holiday shifts. Showing flexibility in your availability can improve your chances of getting hired.

Tips for Employers

1. Use Multiple Recruitment Channels

Post job openings on:

• Job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter.
• Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Local community boards and networking groups.
• Partner with temporary staffing agencies for quick placements.

2. Offer Competitive Pay and Perks. To attract top talent, consider offering:

• Higher hourly wages than your competitors.
• Flexible scheduling options.
• Incentives such as bonuses, employee discounts, or gift cards.
• Highlight these perks in your job postings.

3. Simplify the Application Process

Make it easy for candidates to apply by offering:

• Short online applications that take less than 10 minutes.
• Walk-in interviews for quick hires.
• Use mobile-friendly platforms since many job seekers apply via smartphones.

4. Prioritize Customer Service Skills

Holiday employees often deal with high customer volumes. Look for candidates who:

• Have strong communication skills.
• Are adaptable to fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrate patience and problem-solving abilities.

5. Flexibility is key to attracting seasonal workers, many of whom may have other commitments (e.g., students, part-time workers). Offer:

• Part-time and flexible shifts.
• Weekend-only roles for those with limited availability.
• The option to swap shifts when needed.

6. Consider Retaining Top Performers

Use the holiday season as a trial period to identify standout employees. After the season:

• Offer permanent positions to top performers.
• Keep a list of reliable seasonal employees you can invite back next year.

By following these tips job seekers can not only make extra money but retain valuable experience, networking opportunities, and even  long-term employment. Employers gain extra hands during a busy season and may even find new full time employees if they structure their opportunities right.