Many older adults seek out temporary positions to have something new to do as the weather cools down or earn additional cash to prepare for the holidays. Seasonal work offers both flexibility and the opportunity to gain more professional skills in a busy work environment. If you are an older adult considering a seasonal job, make sure you consider the benefits and tips for seasonal job searching first.
What is a seasonal job?
A seasonal job is employment that does not continue all year round. Instead, jobs recur at the same time each year when workloads increase. For example, many golf courses hire seasonal workers each year at the beginning of the golf season. When business slows, the golf course no longer has a need for temporary staff.
Benefits of a seasonal job
Seasonal positions offer many benefits to older adults. By working a seasonal job, you remain active in the workforce and your community. You can continue to use your skillsets as well as learn new skills. These experiences can lead to personal and professional growth. Plus, you earn a paycheck!
If you are an older job seeker actively looking for full-time work, a season position could be very beneficial. Seasonal work can help fill the time between job searching and employment. Your bank account does not take as great of a hit because you are earning money while searching for a full-time, permanent position.
Seasonal positions help fill gaps in your resume. If you are actively looking for employment but struggle to find full-time work, it may be because your resume needs more experience in the position you want. You can beef up your resume by working a temporary seasonal job.
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Try to land a seasonal position that aligns with your long-term career goals. For example, if you want to work as a retail manager, you might need more front-end experience. A seasonal position as a cashier will give you necessary experience with running a cash register.
Tips for seasonal work
Are you interested in working a seasonal position? Try these tips for finding seasonal work.
Start searching early
Employers want to be prepared before their busy season starts. Because hiring managers will begin looking for seasonal employers early, make sure that your job search before the season begins.
For example, it is a good idea to start looking for a seasonal summer job in the spring. And if you want a job during the holidays, start looking for openings in the fall.
Use online search tools
These days, most employers post open positions online. You can find current listings by searching keywords that best describe the kind of seasonal job you want. For example, if you want to work in retail, use search terms like “seasonal retail position.” Include your location to find jobs in your area.
Many job search engines have advanced search options that let you see types of jobs available. By using this tool, you can narrow your search down to only seasonal, temporary, or part time.
If you are interested in working for a particular company, you can look directly on its website for seasonal positions. If you do not find open positions listed on their website, you might want to contact them via phone or email to express your interest to a hiring manager.
Think outside the box
Although many retail stores hire heavily around the holidays, seasonal work is more than retail positions. There are many other options for temporary seasonal work during the holidays and throughout the year.
Keep an open mind during your seasonal job search. Think about what you could do as a seasonal worker, rather than what you have done professionally in the past. Jobs for seniors and seasonal work experiences can be both lucrative and fun.
Seasonal positions are a great opportunity for you to step out of your normal routine for a while and earn money. Here are just some seasonal positions to look for:
- Retail
- Restaurant
- Assistance at sports games (ticket sales, concessions, refereeing)
- Leaf cleanup services and snow removal
- Healthcare enrollment
- Tax preparation
- Harvest and farming positions
- Help out at local festivals
- Tutoring for children
- Driver
- Park employee
- Pet or house sitter
- Event staff
Target your resume for a seasonal job
Some individuals are not interested in taking on a seasonal position. Stand out by letting employers know that you are looking for seasonal work.
Express enthusiasm for seasonal work on your resume and cover letter. Spell out your seasonal career goals. Briefly describe how your experience and plans make you a great fit for a seasonal position. Thinking about why you want to work a seasonal job ahead of time will also help you answer tough interview questions. Remember, seasonal work can lead to a permanent, full-time position, so starting off on a positive foot is crucial.
Are you 55 and older and looking for a job? VANTAGE Workforce Solutions provides paid, on-the-job training to help you retool your skills for today’s workforce. Call us today or contact us online to see if you are eligible to participate.
*The information in this article is intended solely to provide general information on matters of interest for the personal use of the reader, who accepts full responsibility for its use. This article should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional legal, medical, or other competent advisors.
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