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Why the mad rush to hire tons of people a
Christmas time? The holiday season
is the peak-selling period for
retailers nationwide, which translates into an
abundance of opportunities for students. So
how much hiring are companies really
doing? According to Bruce Van Kleek,
vice-president of member services for the
National Retail Federation, department
stores increase their stall' by 8.8 percent
during the months of November and
December. Small apparel stores will
increase by 7.8 per cent. So if you
want to spend your winter break mak
ing fast cash by working at your
favorite clothing store, then start your
job search now. "If you’re even think
ing about working, get in early, and
you'll get the job," advises Kleek. The
holiday season is busier now than in
recent years and due to the competitive
job market, retailers are hiring months
before the season starts. Tweak your resume
before hitting the pavement and you’ll find
yourself a promising job this Christmas.
ns
The Season
To Be
Working
Part-Time
A part-time retail job can lead you down the road
to a fulfilling career after graduation. As a seasonal '
employee, you are trply getting a taste of what it is like to
work in a retail environment before you make any long-term com
mitments. "It’s a good opportunity for college students to build work
experience and get good references," says Kleek, and it's a great way to check out retailing as a pos
sible career choice. There are numerous career opportunities in retail including those in marketing,
display, design, human resources, and computers. For those students not yet graduating, being a sea
sonal employee is a great way to get your foot in the door. It used to be that Dec. 24 meant all sea
sonal employees were laid off. That's not the case any longer. "Today, interested employees can stay
on in a permanent retail job." says Kleek, once the busy season is over.
Employers are looking for sales associates with the right attitude, flexibility in scheduling, a high
level ol maturity, and a genuine desire in helping people when the time comes to staff their stores, says
Kleek. Other qualities include strong communication skills, initiative, and a personal desire to achieve i
results. Retail also has great benefits such as employee discounts, overtime compensation, flexibility
ol hours, and wages are up right now—above minimum wage due to the competitive market.
Graduating this spring? It you are interested in pursuing a career in retail, don’t wait too long.
Retailers recruit in the late tall and early spring on campus. Kleek advises visiting the college recruit
ment section on the web site of the company you are interested in to find out when they will be vis
iting your school for interviews. Or you can call their College Recruitment Office to find out where
to send your resume. An internship is another great way of testing the waters of retail. Many col
leges offer related programs or you can break out on youpown and find yourself a challenging intern
ship with a major retailer.
When applying tor a letail position, don t forget to do your homework. Shop the store yourself,
and look at other sales people for tips on how to land a job with the company. Retail is on tire dur
ing this season, why not be part of its tremendous success?