Although the economy is showing signs of recovery, there are still millions of people looking for work. Although full-time employment may be hard to come by, job seekers can look for a short-term reprieve during the last few months of the year.

Many companies, typically retailers, hire an abundance of seasonal workers to prepare for the boost in activity during the holiday season. The National Retail Federation reports that in 2008, the average monthly employment during the holiday season was 15.5 million workers. Retailers hired an additional 231,000 workers for the holiday season last year. Although these numbers are lower than in previous years, companies know that they still will experience increased traffic in the coming months and plan to staff accordingly.

Toys”R”Us, for example, announced that they are hiring approximately 35,000 seasonal employees in its stores nationwide. This number is equal to the total work force hired during each of the previous two holiday seasons. Dan Caspersen, executive vice president of human resources at Toys”R”Us, says that the company looks to its employees to provide expert assistance for those looking for the perfect gift.

“Because we are in the toy business 365 days a year, our sales associates know toys and are dedicated to providing gift-givers with recommendations for products that are right for kids of all ages, abilities and interests,” he says. “We’re looking for hard-working, reliable individuals who enjoy working as part of a team and want to provide customers with memorable store experiences.”

If you’re looking for seasonal employment this holiday season, here are 10 companies that are hiring now:

1. AT&T
Industry: Communications
Number of openings: 1000+
Seasonal positions available: Retail sales associates; store managers; and sales support
Location: Nationwide

2. A Wireless
Industry: Telecommunications
Number of openings: 250+
Seasonal positions available: Store managers; sales consultants; district managers; information technology; customer service
Location: Nationwide

3. Blockbuster
Industry: Entertainment
Number of openings: 1000+
Seasonal positions available: Retail sales associates; store managers
Location: Nationwide

4. hhgregg
Industry: Appliance and electronics retail
Number of openings: 800+
Seasonal positions available: Appliance and electronics sales
Location: Indiana; Ohio; Kentucky; Alabama; Georgia; Florida; North Carolina; South Carolina; Tennessee

5. Hickory Farms
Industry: Specialty retail
Number of openings: 4,000
Seasonal positions available: Sales associate
Location: Nationwide, shopping malls

6. Macy’s
Industry: Retail
Number of openings: 1,000 +
Seasonal positions available: Part-time season retail help in gift wrap, sales associates, etc.
Location: Nationwide

7. Olan Mills Studio
Industry: Studio photography
Number of openings: 100+
Seasonal positions available: Photographers; portrait sales; customer service
Location: Ala., Ga., Pa., Ky., Tenn., N.C., Ind., Mich.

8. RadioShack
Industry: Electronics sales
Number of openings: 1000
Seasonal positions available: Retail sales associates
Location: 250 cities

9. Toys”R”Us
Industry: Specialty retail
Number of openings: 35,000
Seasonal positions available: Management positions; sales associates, including cashiers, shelf stockers and customer service roles; and back-of-house stock opportunities
Location: Nationwide

10. UPS
Industry: Shipping and distribution
Number of openings: 200+
Seasonal positions available: Package delivery drivers; tractor trailer driver
Location: Nationwide

Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ.

“Perceptions about older workers often dominate the hiring process,” says Jean Erickson Walker, Ed.D, author of “The Age Advantage: Making the Most of Your Midlife Career Transition.” “Today’s 60 is yesterday’s 40. People aren’t checking out Sun City. They are healthy, energetic and competitive and determined to remain productive well into their 70s. They aren’t going anywhere near that rocking chair on the front porch if they can help it.”

Walker notes that a few of the apprehensions employers may have about older workers are arguable:

· Health concerns. Employers worry that older folks may ultimately cost more as their health deteriorates. Walker says that people older than 50 tend to take fewer sick days than younger people, and that it “takes a gurney to get them off the job.”

· Technologically inept. “The concern about people at midlife being technically [incompetent] is an old saw that holds very little merit,” Walker says. “Although they didn’t grow up with computers on their desks, they’ve been using them for over 20 years now. There is very little they don’t know about common usage.”

· Younger bosses. Bosses do get younger every day, but Walker says that the relationship between someone with experience and someone who is ready to experiment and take risks can be outstanding. “Once they get over the initial adjustment, they often develop a relationship based solidly on mutual respect and each learns from the other,” she says. “The key is a leadership philosophy based on collaboration rather than top-down authority.”

If you’re an older worker who is looking for a job where people will have faith and trust in your wisdom, here are five jobs where your experience and expertise are an advantage:

1. Health care professional

Why age is an advantage: Though young people in the medical field are more than capable of providing exceptional medical care, some people simply don’t feel comfortable having someone their daughter’s age in charge of their life. Older health-care professionals exude good judgment and breadth of experience; people believe you are less likely to be wrong or make a mistake.

Annual average salary*: Salary will vary depending on your position in the industry.

2. Financial adviser

Why age is an advantage: Older workers hold a lot of credibility with stakeholders, Walker says. There’s a natural assumption that someone older knows what he is talking about, which is important when talking about finances. People will believe they can trust your opinion because they come from having been “been there, done that.”

Annual average salary: $66,242

3. Career counselor

Why age is an advantage: It’s doubtful a college graduate is going to feel comfortable getting career advice from someone who graduated the year before her. People want career advice from people who actually have depth in the work force. Older workers have a great work ethic, as most of them came into the market when they remained at one company until earning a gold watch. That type of commitment will be useful when others need help landing a career.

Annual average salary: $47,074

4. Brand manager

Why age is an advantage: Older workers usually have a clear commitment to company goals, which means they believe in what the company is selling. “Their knowledge and experience in the global marketplace creates a frame of reference to understand ‘why’ and to recognize the place of the company within that marketplace,” Walker says.

Annual average salary: $60,706

5. Consultant

Why age is an advantage: The good thing about being a consultant is that you can consult for almost anything. As someone older, you probably have more than one area of expertise; consult for them all! Your knowledge will make clients believe you will commit fewer errors, identify the best opportunities and find the clearest path to results, Walker says.

Annual average salary: $152,423; salaries will vary.

You’re well-educated, your résumé screams experience and you’re vigorously looking for a new job. So why are you so nervous?

Searching for a new job when you’re 50 or older presents a whole new set of challenges. As if interviews weren’t intimidating enough, now you’re trying to dispel all sorts of stereotypes about older job seekers to an interviewer who’s 15 years your junior. Employment discrimination based on age against anyone over age 40 is illegal under the Federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act. But according to Gail Geary, career management consultant and author of Over-40 Job Search Guide (Jist Works), older job seekers often find themselves uncomfortably struggling to answer tough age-related questions during interviews. Here are five of the most common age-related interview questions – and how to field them gracefully – according to Geary’s book:

1. “Will you be using this job as a bridge to retirement?”
Other variations of this question include “Where do you expect to be five years from now?” and “What are your long-term career goals?” Geary’s book states that if you’re over age 50 and look your age, openly addressing the retirement issue may benefit you. Reassure your interviewer that you are excited about the position and plan to continue working for a long time. If you’re relatively young and look even younger, you may not need to address the issue at all.

2. “What are your salary requirements?”
This question is tough for everyone, but it can be even harder for older candidates with decades of experience who do not want their previous high salaries working against them. When faced with this question, first respond with a cool, noncommittal answer. If pressed, give a salary range based on your research. For example, say: “I’ve researched the salary range for this position in our area and have found the typical salary range to be from $125,000 to $175,000, plus bonus. Is this what you have in mind?”

3. “Do you have enough energy, stamina or brain power to do the job?”
It’s unlikely you will face this question outright, Geary writes, but you may be asked something like: “How do you feel about working in a fast-paced environment?” or “Are you able to come in early and work late?” This type of question is your cue to talk about your drive, energy and enthusiasm for the job. Give specific examples that reveal your energy using the STAR technique, where you describe the Situation, Task, Action and Result. Also keep in mind that this type of question reveals clues about the job’s demands, hours, deadlines and overall expectations.

4. “Aren’t you overqualified for the position?”
Geary says the question of overqualification is common for mature job seekers, particularly those with 20 or more years of experience. To help avoid this problem outright, Geary suggests including only 10 to 15 years of relevant experience on the résumé. If the question does come up, emphasize your strengths and accomplishments, not the length of your experience – the interviewer may be concerned that you will have excessively high salary requirements or won’t be a fit with the company culture. Remember to always stay positive and try to determine and address the real reason why the interviewer is asking the question

5. “How old are you?”
Again, most interviewers are savvy enough not to ask you this question outright. But they may ask: “When did you graduate from Walker High?” or “I have a friend who graduated from Duke. When were you there?” This type of question is generally illegal, and you can graciously refuse to answer. Other tactics include responding with humor, or addressing the question behind the question: “I am incredibly energetic and expect to be working for a long time.” Whether or not you choose to reveal your age, always keep the atmosphere positive.

Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Now imagine someone has a piece of spinach between his teeth, toilet paper stuck to his shoe, or is avoiding eye contact.

While these may not be the kinds of things you’d hold against someone, an employer may not be as forgiving if her first impression is not a good one. Before an employer sees your résumé or meets you in person, they begin forming an impression about you from your cover letter.

Here’s a sample that includes mistakes we’ve seen in actual cover letters:

Dear Sirs:

I saw you’re ad. This is the kind of job I’ve been looking for. I’m pretty sure I would enjoy it and it would be good experience for me. I’ve already sent out a bunch of résumés without much luck so I hope you’ll hire me. As you can see I have everything your looking for. Its you’re loss if you don’t hire me. Call me at 555-1234.
Andy Applicant

Sure your résumé is perfect, but did you give your cover letters the same care? If your job search is going nowhere, there’s a good chance you didn’t.

You’re not the only one to make the mistake. Too often job seekers focus all their time and energy developing their résumé and hastily write a cover letter to accompany it. Savvy job seekers, however, know that a résumé is only as good as its cover letter. In fact, 60 percent of executives believe a cover letter is either as important as or more critical than a résumé, according to a nationwide survey by Accountemps.

To land a job in today’s competitive job market, you must know how to write an eye-catching cover letter. You must also know how to use a résumé and cover letter together to sell yourself to employers and recruiters.

“Your résumé and cover letter should work together in presenting you effectively to a prospective employer. The cover letter should draw attention to the most important information in the résumé—the information you want the reader to be certain to see,” says David Noble, Ph.D., author of “Gallery of Best Cover Letters,” Third Edition (JIST © 2007).

Noble offers the following five tips for connecting a cover letter to a résumé:

• If the intended reader of your résumé suggested that you send it, or if you have recently spoken with the person, say this in the first sentence of the cover letter.

• If someone else suggested you submit your résumé to the reader, mention that at or near the beginning of the cover letter.

• Include important information in a cover letter for which there is no room in the résumé.

• Think of the cover letter as a hook for your résumé. For example, your letter might refer specifically to the most important part of your résumé.

• Create a text or PDF version of your cover letter and résumé so that they can be customized as needed. Also, e-mail them in response to online ads or post them to online job databases.

While complementing one another, your résumé and cover letter should present two essential things all employers look for in candidates, Noble says. “Remember, résumés should show that you can do the work required, while your cover letter should show that you want to do the work required.”

Selena Dehne is a career writer for JIST Publishing who shares the latest occupational, career and job search information available with job seekers and career changers.

Explaining a gap in employment is often like this, only not as easy. After a hiatus, it’s not easy re-entering the workforce, and it’s even less easy explaining one and landing a job. There are many reasons why individuals have gaps in their employment histories. Whether you have been unemployed for several months, are returning to the workforce after raising children, or took a break to go back to school, reintroducing yourself to potential employers is a lot easier with a strong, well-crafted cover letter.

If you are returning to the workforce after a significant absence, it’s important to address this fact early in your cover letter. Remember, however, that your employment gap does not define you. Rather, it is your skills, qualifications and experience that will truly make you the right or wrong candidate for the job. The secret is to address your time away from the workforce briefly and succinctly, and then move on to discussing your skills – both old and new – that truly matter.

The first thing you should do is research the company and develop a list of expertise and experience matching their mission and culture. Remember that these skills do not always come from a professional environment. Make a list of your accomplishments throughout your career as well as from your time away from work. Include newly acquired skills or others you have strengthened. Perhaps you have taken time off to raise your children – your time management skills may be sharper or have worked on projects through volunteer work. Maybe you have spent time traveling and have learned a new language or improved your negotiation skills. If you think about it, you will probably discover ways to turn personal talents into business skills.

Now that you have identified your strengths, it’s time to write your letter. Briefly describe the reason for your employment gap, but do not go into great detail. The secret is to present the facts, then move to accentuating the positive aspects of your experience. Here are a couple examples:

“My resume shows that I was out of the workforce for two years. I returned to school full-time to pursue an M.B.A. With my new credentials and recent graduate school experience, I have strengthened my business know-how and skills required for this position.”

“As you can see on the enclosed resume, I have a masters degree in education and more than seven years of teaching experience. While I was on leave from teaching over the past five years to raise my son, I recently began working as a substitute teacher in several local school districts and am anxious to resume a full-time teaching position.”

“Due to corporate downsizing, I have been out of the financial market for 10 months. However, during that time I have remained active in professional associations and pursued advanced education, completing six hours toward my M.B.A.”

All of these examples state the facts, but then demonstrate that the individuals were determined enough to educate themselves and remain active in their respective fields. Simplicity is key in keeping your explanation clear and concise.

Once you have stated your reasons for being away from the workforce, sell yourself just like you would in any other cover letter. Use the second paragraph in your letter to describe the skills you possess, past positions you held and professional accomplishments, and experience you have gained outside the workforce that relate to the open position. For example, if you held a position in public relations and have continued to hone your writing skills through freelance or volunteer assignments, be sure to highlight this:

“I have remained active in the field of media relations, serving as the chairperson of the public relations committee for the Boys and Girls Club. In this role, I successfully promoted many large-scale fundraising events and secured high-profile media coverage that resulted in an overall increase in public donations to the organization.”

The bottom line is that neither you nor a potential employer should view your time away from the professional workforce as a detriment. The main thing to remember when writing your cover letter is to keep it simple, to the point, and to emphasize your strengths. Keep your tone positive and enthusiastic. If you present your employment history honestly and spend the bulk of your letter outlining your skills and accomplishments, your cover letter can be the first step toward a great new job!

Keywords are specific words or phrases that job seekers use to search for jobs and employers use to find the right candidates. Keywords are used as search criteria in the same way you do research on the Internet. The more keywords you use, the more closely the job will match what you’re really looking for.

For example, if you type the word “retail” into a search engine, you’ll get literally thousands of job descriptions. But if you type the phrase “merchandising manager,” you’re going to get fewer and more useful results.

Get keyed up.
Most job postings are loaded with industry- and position-specific buzzwords. Take your cues straight from the source and include those same words in your resume. To find more keywords, research industry trends and visit professional association Web sites to uncover current buzzwords — especially those used by the hiring company or industry leaders.

Don’t get lost in translation.
Most companies use applicant tracking software, which scans resumes for keywords relating to skills, training, degrees, job titles and experience. Make sure your resume gets through the gatekeeper — present your qualifications as if the reader is comparing the words on the resume to a list of desired qualifications.

Remember the magic words.
Here are some specific examples of popular keywords. Make sure to also use keywords that are specific to your industry.

• Strategic planning
• Performance and productivity improvement
• Organizational design
• Infrastructure development
• New media
• Internet
• E-commerce
• Change management
• Team-building
• Leadership
• Competitive market
• Product positioning
• Investor and board relations
• Oral and written communications
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• MBA
• Project management
• Customer retention
• Business development
• Corporate vision
• Long-range planning
• Cost reduction

Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

There’s no doubt that advancing technology has made daily activities like paying bills, shopping and conducting research fast, easy and convenient. And with the plethora of online job search sites that let you e-mail or upload résumés, applying to jobs is no exception to this rule. When it comes to submitting applications, however, the most convenient method isn’t necessarily the best one.

According to Deborah Brown-Volkman, president of a New York-based career coaching company, paper résumés may be underutilized, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t relevant in today’s increasingly high-tech world. If anything, paper résumés are more important than ever. “Any way you can stand out as a job seeker, you should do,” Brown-Volkman says. “If everyone is sending e-mail, then send paper.”

Robert Weiss, public relations manager for Robert Half International, agrees. He says that paper résumés offer job seekers benefits that résumés sent electronically lack. “[A paper résumé] is more portable,” he says. “Hiring managers don’t need to be in front of their computer to review it, and it also may be easier to read in some cases.” Furthermore, submitting a paper résumé eliminates formatting errors that can happen with e-mail. The best strategy for job seekers, Weiss says, is to send both paper and electronic versions of their résumés whenever applying to jobs.

Job seekers also need to be aware that some companies still prefer the “old-fashioned” way of finding applicants. Linda Finkle, CEO of Incedo Group, an organizational coaching and consulting company, says that if an applicant comes across a job listing that doesn’t provide an e-mail address, then paper is definitely the way to go. “There is a reason they didn’t provide an e-mail address,” she says. “They prefer to have it sent another way.”

To ensure the best possible impression when mailing a résumé, use the following general guidelines:

• Use a standard, easy-to-read font like 11 point Times New Roman or Arial.
• Always include a cover letter.
• Print both cover letter and résumé on good quality paper. Look for paper that
  - has a watermark.
  - has a weight of between 16 lbs. and 25 lbs.
  - is at least 25 percent cotton fiber.
  - is in a traditional color such as white, off-white or ivory.
• Use a laser printer, which will produce the best printing quality.
• If you’re sending résumés that will be scanned, use plain white 8.5″ x 11″ computer paper with black ink.
• Don’t staple the pages.
• If you’re sending a one-page cover letter and one-page résumé, it is usually OK to fold them and send them in a No.10 envelope, but using a larger envelope that allows them to lay flat might make a better impression.
• Don’t try to fold and stuff several pages into a smaller envelope. Use a larger, flat envelope if you’re sending samples, transcripts or other requested material along with your résumé and cover letter so they all arrive neat and unfolded.

Avoid the nitty-gritty details.
Be truthful about why you’ve been out of work, but don’t go on ad nauseam about your trials and tribulations. For example, if you vacated a position to tend to personal matters, consider offering a brief sentence or two in your cover letter explaining the circumstances. This job seeker efficiently and succinctly addressed a résumé gap: “I have served as an in-home caretaker for my ailing mother for the last year. Fortunately, she has recovered and is once again self-sufficient, and I now am ready, willing and able to re-enter the workforce.”