BBB: It’s not too early to start your holiday job search

Sure, it’s only September, and Labor Day was just last week.

But if you are like the thousands of people who will be looking for ways to earn a little extra cash for the upcoming holiday months, it is not too early to start the search for a temporary seasonal job.

The National Retail Federation reports that around 700,000 temporary retail workers will be hired for the holiday rush this year. Why not try to get to the front of the hiring line by diving into the seasonal job market early?

The Better Business Bureau has some advice and tips for those looking for an income boost through a temporary job.

Job-seeker tips

Here are some ways to increase your odds of getting that holiday job:

Early is good. By applying early you may be more likely to land a position at the business of your choice, as opposed to having to settle for anything because you’ve waited too late and are in a panic.

It also doesn’t hurt to send prospective employers the signal that you are serious about your desire to work for them. Applying early tells them you want their job and you are a reliable, organized person out to beat the rest of the pack.

Apply at stores where you shop. You will have an advantage by knowing their products and a bit about their business. Not to mention the fact that employee discounts will help you stretch your own shopping budget for holiday buying.

Make a good first impression. Even if you are only stopping in to pick up an application, be aware of your appearance. Neatness counts.

An unkempt, slovenly appearance is not welcome in the retail sector. As the store’s representative, you will be expected to project a positive, professional image to their customers. During busy holiday times, those customers may be stressed, have long lines to deal with and they may have issues regarding returns. The employer knows that your appearance and demeanor can impact their customer relations.

Be flexible. Remember that long-term employees have earned the right to the best shifts. As a newer worker, you may have to work nights, weekends or holidays. If you really want the job, you will not go into it with a long list of demands. Do not give an employer reasons to avoid hiring you.

Watch out for job scams

If your seasonal job hunt includes looking for online opportunities, tread carefully. Scammers have been luring their victims with great-sounding online ads for years.

On Craigslist and other online classifieds, fraud is mixed in among the legitimate employment opportunities. Here is a brief rundown of tips for avoiding fake job scams:

Watch for misspellings, grammatical errors and unprofessional, amateurish writing in the ads. Generally, the more exclamation marks, the less likely it is legit.

Generic-sounding job titles and phrases like “No experience needed,” or “Immediate start” are attempts to hook in the unsuspecting.

Do online searches on the company, including the exact wording of the ad to see whether it shows up in other cities. Be careful about sending out personal information. Identity theft may be the goal.

Never pay upfront fees when applying, especially for background checks or credit reports.

Do not give out bank account information or Social Security numbers until you are absolutely convinced of the employer’s legitimacy.

Look too good to be true? Incredible pay for short hours? Avoid it because it is a scam.

As you search for seasonal employment this fall, keep these tips in mind. You just may beat out the competition by getting an early start.

This story was originally published September 6, 2014 at 7:15 AM with the headline "BBB: It’s not too early to start your holiday job search."