Minority Americans can succeed at the highest levels of economic competition if they are given the opportunity to do so.
Robert L. JohnsonThe RLJ Companies
Founder & Chairman
Seasonal Employment Advice
By Mark Anthony Dyson
You have heard by now that UPS and Target among other large retail companies are hiring for seasonal work. Are you now retreating back to bed thinking everyone and his or her grandma is applying for jobs? Well, have no fear. I have bought you a few suggestions on how to look for jobs where very few are looking.
By no means are you limited to these suggestions, but at least fewer people are talking about finding these leads below:
1. Job seekers should try to scour some of the free local papers for seasonal jobs. Small businesses work with a small budget and look for inexpensive publications to advertise for jobs. Check small local and college papers for job announcements.
2. Some neighborhoods still publicize jobs with a sign on the window that says, "Hiring for seasonal work." Go in and try to meet the manager in person with the intentions of building a relationship, not job plead for a job.
3. Make the effort to put the resume in the hand of a decision maker. Although cattle calls are frequent, take the extra time and research who is making the decision. The closer you get to that person; you increase the chances of being called for an interview.
4. If you use LinkedIn and have joined groups, sometimes announcements are "casually" made for job openings. It is a good time to become active in those groups, and be sure to set your account up to receive the updates to the group's discussions in case there are announcements. Join retail groups and try to look for the "soft job announcements" about upcoming jobs.
5. Temporary agencies are a great source for job leads and assignments. If you have signed up for one or two of them, call them to show interest. Don't call everyday (I didn't really say that) but follow-up twice a week.
6. Try CAN-TV or a station that regularly announces events, shows, and yes, JOBS. There are cable stations in New York, Chicago, and other cities that provide leads that are rarely advertised.
Mark Anthony Dyson is the founder of the blog TheVoiceOfJobSeekers.com and the Chief Evangelist and Career Consultant for Competitive Resumes. Follow Mark Anthony Dyson on Twitter @markadyson.
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