10 places to find temporary work
By Vicki Gerson • Bankrate.com

Now is the perfect time to look for temporary employment. There are many jobs available if you need extra holiday cash or have some debt you want to work off.

And finding that job may not be as difficult as you think. Gillian Steele, director of the DePaul University Career Center in Chicago, says many companies quickly bring people on board toward the end of the year.

"The holiday season offers many more job opportunities that aren't always available the rest of the year," Steele says.

In addition, temporary jobs sometimes lead to full-time employment. Because many companies have a fiscal year that ends Dec. 31, January is the busiest hiring month of the year for permanent placement, says Steele.

Alison Doyle, author of "The About.com Guide to Job Searching," says employment is everywhere if you know where to look.

"Always keep your eyes open," says Doyle, who has more than 20 years experience in job searching, human resources and career development. "You never know where you might find a job posting."

Steele and Doyle agree that there are many places to find temporary work this holiday season or throughout 2008. The following list is based on their suggestions.

Help wanted If you're looking for extra work this holiday season -- or any time of the year -- here are 10 places to find a temporary job.

10 places to find temporary work: 1. Malls and stores 2. Warehouse and distribution centers 3. Offices 4. Garden centers 5. Restaurants and caterers 6. The IRS and state tax departments 7. Ski resorts 8. Pet-sitting services 9. Concerts and special events 10. Mystery-shopper services

Malls and stores. Retail jobs are easy to get because retailers need extra employees during the holiday season. Whether you want to work in a department store or specialty store, jobs are available. As an added bonus, retail jobs often provide employees with special discounts.

If you aren't the selling type and think you are up for it, malls and other retail venues hire Santas and Santa's helpers to greet children. But before going out for the job, be sure you don't mind wearing a costume, working until Christmas Eve and having kids around you all day.

Warehouse and distribution centers. During the holidays, just as Santa's job entails, packages must be delivered. Warehouse and distribution workers are a necessity to help prepare packages for shipping and delivery, especially now as people are doing more of their shopping via the Internet.