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Every week, join Sydney Waters as she helps you navigate life as a smart consumer. You'll cover everything in avoiding the latest scams, including phishing emails, medical equipment fraud, understanding layaway, hiring a reputable tax preparer, and even digital spring cleaning. Add to your toolbox and flip through your Consumer Handbook Thursdays during NPR’s Morning Edition at 6:42 a.m. and 8:42 a.m., only on KRCU.

Consumer Handbook: Seasonal Job Applicants Should Start Early, Avoid “Mystery Shopper” Listings

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With millions of people laid off or furloughed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, competition for seasonal employment this holiday season will be fierce. 

Shipping companies and online retailers like Amazon have seen their business boom as the pandemic has driven online shopping through the roof, and it is expected they will hire thousands of seasonal employees this holiday season. Some traditional brick-and-mortar retailers also are hiring seasonal workers. 

The Better Business Bureau advises job seekers to polish up their resumes, research potential employers, and apply right away - but to be smart about their job search. Employment scams were the riskiest scam nationally in 2019, according to BBB Scam Tracker statistics. So far in 2020, nearly 2,500 employment scams have been reported nationwide via BBB Scam Tracker. 

Start your job search earlier rather than later. Retail, shipping, restaurants, and catering companies are common sources of seasonal employment. This is the time for job hunters to determine which job suits them best, identify companies they’d like to work for and then begin submitting applications and resumes. 

Try to identify seasonal employment opportunities at businesses where you shop. You will already be familiar with the company and its products, and discounts available to employees can mean significant savings when shopping for gifts. Discounts can range from 20% to 40% for seasonal employees. 

Put your best foot forward. Even if you are just picking up applications at stores in the mall, dress neatly and be prepared for an interview. Beware of classified ads for mystery shopper jobs or other employment opportunities requiring payment. As detailed above, these scams may steal money from victims; they may also use victims’ personal information to commit fraud.

 

Cape Girardeau native Whitney Quick is the former Regional Director of Better Business Bureau in Cape Girardeau, MO. She joined the Cape Chamber as Vice President of Programs and Leadership Development in May 2023. Quick is a graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School and Southeast Missouri University where she majored in public relations.