Hot Tip -- by Emma Geoghegan

'Tis the season to be jolly! It's Christmas! Most of us think of Christmas as a time to be with friends and family ... a time to exchange gifts with those we care about ...and a time of celebration.

As an employment counsellor and shop-a-holic I take a different look at it. Christmas is a time to shop, shop, shop! Bring out the credit cards! I know you've all been in the malls before Christmas or, even better, the Boxing Day sales. It's crazy! Not only is it a shopper's dream but it's a job hunter's dream as well. This is the season of great employment opportunities. Store managers need extra help during the Christmas season to keep up with demands of consumers.

What opportunities are there, you ask?

Start your job search by taking some time to think of all the places that may be busy as a result of the Christmas season. Also think about what kinds of positions they may be hiring for. That's what I did. Here's my list.

Employers contacted by the Youth Employment Centre said they were looking for both full time and part time employees for the Christmas season. These positions have the potential to become permanent positions. In fact one employer stated that all of her staff were hired at one time as seasonal employees.

How do you find out about the jobs that are available?

Talk to people you know and ask if they have heard about any job opportunities. If they don't know of any, have them ask other people. "Network!" The number one way people gain work is through their contacts.

Employers advertise work in a number of places, including their store windows. The Youth Employment Centre's job board is another place that employers post positions. There are also job banks on the internet such as the City of Calgary Job Postings and Calgary HRDC Job Bank. The paper is another option, but beware, this is usually the first place people look for work, so there may be a lot of people applying for the same job. Give yourself a competitive edge and try some of the other approaches first.

What employers are looking for in a potential employee:

Employers said they are looking for people who are; personable, outgoing, have a good attitude, are customer service oriented and neat in appearance. Related experience of course is also an asset. Any sales and cash handling experience, for example, is worth mentioning. If you don't have experience, don't worry. Most of the employer's we contacted were willing to train people who simply had a good attitude.

When should you apply?

Employers said they are looking for people who are; personable, outgoing, have a good attitude, are customer service oriented and neat in appearance. Related experience of course is also an asset. Any sales and cash handling experience, for example, is worth mentioning. If you don't have experience, don't worry. Most of the employer's we contacted were willing to train people who simply had a good attitude.

When should you apply?

Employers start hiring as early as September, but most started hiring in October. Don't panic! Most places are still hiring. So apply now!

How to apply?

Most employers prefer if you apply in person with your resumé. It gives them a chance to meet you, check out your people skills and perhaps ask you a few questions.

Be prepared! Think through the skills and personal attributes that would allow you to do the job successfully. This will make it easier to sell yourself when you apply for work. Also develop a skills-based resumé that is targeted towards the type of work for which you are applying.

This is a great time to go out and get your first job, gain new work experience, and for students, a way to replenish the education fund! So, don't delay, Christmas is on its way!!

Merry Christmas!