According to Simply Hired, more than 60,000 seasonal jobs are available this holiday season. Seasonal work offers an ideal opportunity to learn more about a field or company you’ve been interested in, while earning extra wages. Remember thought that you’re not the only one with this plan in mind. Everyone from retirees to stay-at-home moms to college kids on holiday are eager to fill these seasonal positions. Take a look at our tips to help you land the perfect holiday position before the rush.

Get Pushed to the Front of the Line

Showing up to your interview with a completed application that highlights career experience and a resume chock full of your skills can help you land the position faster. Job-applications.com offers convenient, easy-to-fill-out application forms you can print at home en route to your interview. Worried you won’t have time to drop off applications because you’re already working a day job? Many companies allow you to apply and interview online.

Highlight Your Assets

Sure, companies need extra help during the holiday rush, but it’s still competitive out there in the marketplace. Be sure to highlight the following:

• Open and flexible availability: The hours are generally unconventional for seasonal positions. Let them know you’re okay with this.
• Unique knowledge of the field: Already trained and experienced professionals equal less time to train and more money saved for companies.
• Ability to problem solve with patience: The holidays often mean chaos for many companies. Showing you have managed multi-faceted, high-stress environments is a plus.

Top Seasonal Jobs

Ready to get started with your search? Below are the most common seasonal jobs:

1. Tutor: A seasonal job won’t come to you, but perhaps your own clients will. While everyone is rushing to secure a seasonal position, consider advertising as a tutor. Tutoring can offer great income throughout the entire year, but possibly more when kids are on vacation. Wondering how to gain clients? Tutor Match is an online forum where you can advertise your expertise for free.
2. Security & Loss Prevention Specialist: The holidays mean more people to keep safe in parks, museums and shopping centers throughout the community. While some states require a special license, others only require a GED or equivalent. To be sure you’re “fit for duty” a battery of physical tests and drug screening may apply. You can move to the front of the line by procuring a license before applying, so be sure to highlight this on your application. Seasonal Jobs 365 is a great resource to search what cities and locations need the most seasonal help.
3. Package Handler: As if UPS, FedEx and USPS weren’t busy enough, they increase their hiring by the thousands annually to ensure recipients receive their holiday packages on time. You’ll be lifting, running and interacting with others in this position, so be sure you love people before you apply.