Good news recently released...

The Bureau of Labor Statistics just reported that the number of holiday positions is up from last year's 501,400 to 550,000-650,000 for this year. Pay ranges from the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour for inexperienced workers to $25 an hour or more for experienced employees working at upscale stores.

A number of major US companies have officially announced that they are in the process of hiring workers. Here are 18 of them -- listed in alphabetical order, with links to their websites.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/

American Girl Place: http://www.americangirl.com/

Best Buy: http://www.bestbuy.com/

Blockbuster: http://www.blockbuster.com/

Borders:  http://www.borders.com/

Brookstone: http://www.brookstone.com/

Fed-Ex: http://www.fedex.com/

Fred's Inc.: http://www.fredsinc.com/

H&M: http://www.hm.com/

Jo-Ann Fabric & Crafts: http://www.joann.com/

Kohl's Department Store: http://www.kohls.com/

Limited Brands (Victoria's Secret & Bath & Body Works):  

    http://www.limitedbrands.com/

Macy's: http://www.macys.com/

Ross Stores: http://www.rossstores.com/

Ryder Truck Rental: http://www.ryder.com/ 

Toys R Us: http://www.toysrus.com/

UPS: http://www.ups.com/

Wells Fargo: http://www.wellsfargo.com/

A heads up...

US Airways (http://www.usairways.com/) announced that it will be hiring 500 flight attendants and pilots to cover 2011 retirements and attrition.

Several interview tips...

o Facts. When you go onto the company's website, read the "about us" section carefully. Write down three favorable facts about the business, such as how long it's been operating, why it is a leader in its field, how long it's been profitable. And, be sure to note the name of the current president or CEO. These facts may come in handy during your interview.

o Why? Be prepared to answer the question, "why do you want to work for us?" Have something in mind other than, "I need the money."

o Dress. Wear appropriate clothes. For women, that means no cleavage or undies showing (unless you're applying for a job at Hooters). For men, it means a dress shirt rather than a tight T-shirt with the sleeves rolled up a la James Dean (unless you're seeking a job as a James Dean look-alike).

o Nails. Make sure your nails are clean and that you smell good. But go easy on strong perfume or aftershave. Your interviewer may have asthma or allergies.

o Language. Speak in complete sentences and say "yes" rather than "yeah." Leave at the door such overused phrases as "oh my Gawd," "awesome," "I can't believe it," "I mean it was so cool," "no way" and "it was like amazing."

TIP: Snag a Job (www.snagajob.com/seasonal-jobs) has a well organized section on holiday and part time positions, with full job descriptions, wages, exact location and contact information.

Good luck!

---

Nancy's New Book Is Here!
Recession-Proof  Your Financial Life  A Financial Survival Guide for an Economy in Free Fall. Bestselling personal-finance author Nancy Dunnan offers back-to-basics advice to ease the financial squeeze of our troubled economy. Let Nancy Dunnan see you through the worst of the recession, so you and your family can live well today and prepare for a better tomorrow.	Available now on: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble

RECENT COLUMNS by Nancy Dunnan