If you’re looking for extra cash for the holidays, a seasonal job is the obvious choice. Seasonal job opportunities pop up a few times a year, and one of those times is here now. Because winter is right around the corner, I thought I’d share a few jobs that are commonly (and currently, as of the day I wrote this) available:

Brick/Mortar Retail – clerks and cashiers, personal shoppers, Santa or his elves, customer service, delivery, receiving

Online Retail – telesales, customer service, delivery

Warehouse – inventory, shipping, receiving, assembling, delivery

Catering/Banquet halls – servers, sales, event photographer

Call Centers – outbound sales, inbound tech support and customer service

Ski/Winter Resorts – hospitality, sales, housekeeping

Kids’ Winter Camps – counselor, housekeeping, food service

Office – phone reps, mail/marketing fulfillment, sales

Side Gigs (usually freelance/self-employed) – House cleaning, personal gift shopper, holiday decoration installer, driver, tutor

Employers start interviewing for these positions in the fall, so there’s no time to lose. The search for a seasonal job is much different than finding permanent employment, in that employers generally hire their seasonal staff during or right after a first interview. Keep an eye out for job fairs at distribution centers, warehouses and office complexes in your area in October and November.

Sometimes, these seasonal jobs can turn into longer-term roles or even become permanent! If you want to try to make that happen, here are three ways to do that:

1) Stand out for the right reasons: Let your boss see you going the extra mile. Pick up that overlooked, crumpled litter that was meant for the trash can, instead of stepping over it like everyone else. Smile and greet every customer, and offer to help even if it isn’t your department. Help other employees when you have extra time. Approach your work with a positive, whatever-it-takes attitude.

2) Think about the company’s needs after the season is over: Think like a permanent employee, not someone who will be gone in a few weeks. Are there problems you can solve, or have you caught wind of long-term projects that might be well-suited to your skills? Offer your experience in ways that expand your usefulness to the company.

3) Let Your Intentions Be Known: A week or two into this new job (not on your first day!), talk to your boss. Let her know that you enjoy the company and the work, and that if a permanent role opens, you’d like to apply. Your boss isn’t a mind-reader, and she’s extra busy during holiday seasons. She may see you as a great short-term employee without even thinking about the long game. It’s your job to plant that seed.

If you need help ‘right-sizing’ your resume for a seasonal job, get in touch with the experts at ResuMAYDAY. Remember, these jobs go quickly so you don’t have a moment to lose!