Released on: October 28, 2008, 6:14 am

Press Release Author: Howard Schwartz-Director of Communications, BBB CT

Industry: Financial

Press Release Summary: Tips to find holiday employment in a competitive job market

Press Release Body: Wallingford, CT - October 28, 2008 - In light of the current
downward trend in consumer spending, retailers are expected to create fewer seasonal
jobs this year than last. All of this means fewer opportunities for consumers
looking to bring in some extra cash to supplement their holiday spending.

The National Retail Federation estimates that holiday retail spending will increase
by a slim 2.2 percent, the slowest rate of growth in six years, so your BBB has some
advice for seasonal job-seekers:

Start your search now.

According to Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Hotton
Scarpetti, people looking for holiday jobs need to work harder this year than in the
past to find a position.

"The slowdown in consumer spending and high fuel costs has been changing the retail
marketplace. The U.S. retail sector eliminated 20,000 jobs in August, and according
to Manpower Incorporated, 52 percent of retailers surveyed said they plan no
seasonal hiring this year."

Connecticut BBB recommends seasonal job seekers give themselves an edge over the
competition in a number of ways:

Start the job search sooner, rather than later:
Considering there will be fewer jobs and more people competing for them, start your
search now. Identify companies you'd like to work for and which positions your
skills are best suited for, and then begin sending in applications.

Work where you shop:
If you apply to a retailer with whom you do business, then you are already familiar
with the company and its products, and you may be entitled to employee discounts,
which in turn can ease the heavy financial burden of the holidays. These discounts
can range from 20 to 40 percent.

Make your best first impression:
Even if you are simply picking up employment application forms at the mall, dress
for the occasion and be prepared for an interview. This also means doing some
research about the company and its products. Retail job hunters need to underscore
their customer service skill set, such as dealing with long check-out lines and
day-after-Christmas returns. Impress upon the interviewer that your skills make a
good fit when dealing with stressed-out shoppers.

Be Flexible:
Understand that you will competing with existing full-time employees looking to work
overtime, so they will have first pick of preferred hours and shifts. Seasonal
employees may find themselves working long, sometimes inconvenient shifts, and even
holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. If you are taking this work on as
a second job, be up front with the new employer about your available hours.

You may find more trustworthy advice on job searches as well as other holiday tips
for people on a tight budget at www.bbb.org.


Web Site: http://www.bbb.org

Contact Details: Connecticut Better Business Bureau
94 South Turnpike Rd
Wallingford, CT 06492
203-269-2700 ext 103
Howard Schwartz-Communications Director