Beware of scammers when looking for holiday work

Now is the time for job seekers to polish up their resumes while looking for ways to earn a little extra cash for the upcoming holiday season.

Analysts predict there could be 700,000 to 800,000 seasonal workers hired that are related to holiday shopping. Some of those companies include UPS, Macy’s, Amazon, Kohl’s, Target and Walmart.

Here are some tips for finding that part time holiday job.

Start your job search early. The hiring process can take some time when you consider the interview, background checks, credit checks and possible drug screens. You also send a signal that you are serious about your desire to work for a particular company if you apply early.

Work where you shop. Since you’re already familiar with the company, its location and products, consider applying at places where you shop. Many retailers provide employee discounts for seasonal employees, which may mean significant savings when shopping for holiday gifts.

Put your best foot forward. Even if you’re just picking up an application, dress neatly and prepare for an interview. Make a good first impression. Be familiar with the company’s brand and products and show off your customer service skills.

Be flexible. Be prepared to work while others play. Full-time employees usually get first dibs on preferred hours and shifts. Be prepared to work long and sometimes inconvenient hours, including Thanksgiving, evening hours or Christmas Eve.

Unfortunately, not all job ads are legitimate. Here are some red flags.

Offers of high earnings with limited or no skills required
Online classifieds such as Craigslist are breeding grounds for scammers
Requiring upfront fees for background tests or training materials
Job postings with obvious grammatical errors and misspellings
If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is

If you have any questions, please contact the Mid Missouri Better Business Bureau at manager@midmobbb.org or 573-886-8965.