If you have a part-time job for the holidays there can be great ways to build relationships and open doors. However, as the New Year approaches, you might be thinking what’s next? Seasonal jobs are great ways to explore the company culture far more than an in-depth interview. You could be working side by side with your future boss and have a first row seat in observing their management style. This is a great opportunity for you to observe how they communicate and manage during times of stress.
The same holds true for the employer — they are watching you interact with co-workers, multi-task with a positive attitude and how well you work on a team. Employers know more often than not part-time employees start off with good intentions and as time moves begin to show a less than stellar work ethic such as showing up late, calling in at the last minute and giving their job a half-hearted performance.
Truth is employers are always looking for good employees — those that want to work and contribute to the team regardless of the economy or time of season. One of best ways to try out new talent is through seasonal work.
If you enjoy your part-time job and would like to turn it into a great opportunity here are some things to keep in mind that will help you stand out:
• Keep in mind that the first 90 days of any new job will tend to leave a permanent impression on those around you, specially the hiring decision maker. Approximately one-third of all new hires take a nose-dive during their first year of work because they fail to adapt to the company culture.
• Adapting to the work environment applies to a part-time job as well, except you may have to speed up the process of acclimating to the work culture much faster. This means you must pay attention to those around you and create the right impression.
• Always take the opportunity to meet your co-workers and develop working relationships. While on breaks or during brief training sessions you take the lead on building rapport. Never make the mistake of assuming those in different roles above and below your level have no bearing on future hires — get to know everyone.
• Right from the start form your reputation as one that gets things done and produces results. Always be the person who volunteers if another department needs help, willing to work overtime if needed to get the job done. Managers rarely forget those who bailed them out of a difficult situation.
• Never forget why you were hired in the first place. You were brought in to offer support and lend a helping hand for one of retail’s busiest seasons. Even if it’s a part time job keep your focus on why you were hired and strive to beat your manager’s expectations.
• Keep a record of any new skills or training added to your experience and what you accomplish. Adding updated information to your resume shows you are working and that can be helpful.
• Rise above the lack of enthusiasm that happens with a hectic holiday schedule and customer complaints. Grace under pressure can be inspiring and you could be the one leading with positive influence. For instance, during layoffs last year an accounting supervisor applied for a part-time job to help stretch their severance package and ended up receiving an offer to work full time, even though retail was not their career focus.
• Never underestimate the networking opportunities you encounter while working part-time, your exposure to new people can all be useful, now and in the future.
• Informal interviews are ones that take place when you least expect them and you are being observed the minute you show up at work until the time you leave. Informal questions such as “How are you doing with the training”? can turn into great conversations.
Taking a part-time job could lead to greater opportunities if you take it seriously and make your efforts count. Look at a seasonal job as a chance to grow and contribute, it’s a win-win solution to both the employer and you.
Have you had a part-time job turn into a full time offer? What did you do that influenced the hiring decision-maker?
