Is working full-time not cutting it? Are you trying to find extra work for the holidays? You’re not alone, as many people are looking for ways to make additional income during the holiday season.
According to CareerBuilder, one in four employers plan to hire seasonal workers this year. As you search for a part-time gig during the holiday season, try to look for jobs that will advance your career. Opportunities such as freelancing or contract work could give the chance to build your portfolio while earning extra cash at the same time.
If you’re thinking about finding a part-time gig this holiday season, here are some tips you should try:
1. Tap into your network.
If you’re well-connected, it might be a good idea to reach out to colleagues who have connections to part-time jobs. This is a great way to find out about employers who are looking for contract workers or have part-time positions available.
2. Use niche job sites.
There are dozens of freelance job boards such as oDesk and eLance that provide hundreds of contract and freelance job opportunities for professionals. Most of these job boards post employment opportunities that allow you to work from home.
3. Target holiday-focused employers.
A variety of businesses such as restaurants, marketing firms, small businesses, and boutique agencies are usually in need of part-time help to work on holiday messaging and graphic design projects. Especially if you’re a writer, graphic designer, or web designer, many businesses can benefit from your expertise during the holiday season.
When applying for holiday-focused positions, be sure to send along samples of your best work and accomplishments. Most employers want to quickly hire people during the holidays. By including work samples with your applications, it’ll make it easier for hiring managers to make a decision.
4. Be flexible.
During the holiday season, many employers are putting in extra hours to meet the demands of their business. If you market yourself as a flexible worker, you’ll increase your chances of landing part-time work.
When you apply for jobs, make it clear to employers that you’re willing to work odd hours, such as in the evening or over the weekend. You should also make it clear to employers that you already work full-time. This way the employer won’t overload you with assignments once hired.
5. Remember to follow up.
When you apply for part-time or freelance jobs, the same job search rules apply as they would for a full-time job. After you apply for a job, be sure to follow up with the employer within seven to 10 days. This shows the employer you’re interested in position and will make you stand out from other applicants.
As you continue to dig deeper into your part-time job search, you’ll discover many opportunities that will advance your career. Just remember when you look for freelance or part-time work that it doesn’t interfere with your current job or employer. The last thing you want is to lose your full-time job because of a part-time gig.
