Tough times for holiday job-seekers

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Many Wabash Valley businesses are already hiring their holiday help, but it may not be easy to earn a few extra bucks. Numerous retailers told me they were turning away a lot of qualified applicants because there is just too many people for too few spots.

Lacey Mott is one of the lucky ones. She was unemployed for almost four months before she landed a temporary job at Off The Wall in the Honey Creek Mall.

"Even though it's only till January, it gives me some money for right now," said Mott. "It helps out a lot."

Retailers are cutting back on seasonal help. According to the Department of Labor, employers added 6.2 percent temporary employees for the holidays in 2008. But in 2007, that figure was 9 percent.

"I feel very lucky that I got it," said Mott. "Because we have several people coming in still asking if he had hired everybody."

The Purse Lady owner Joan Shonk hopes the holidays give a big boost to her bottom line. She said business has not been good since September. But she has hired three to man a temporary kiosk at the mall.

"We've had people coming in wanting jobs all the time, every day, wanting a job," said Shonk.

She said it's not just high school and college-aged kids either. All ages have inquired, even seniors.

Mott's advice for job-seekers of any age, just keep trying.

"Before I got this job, I put in like 20 applications and this is the only one I got," said Mott. "Just keep trying, eventually they will hire you."

Some of the big retailers around the Wabash Valley said they are still hiring temporary help.