Job opportunities on the rise this holiday season | Business

DENVER -- If you are looking for a job, then your chances of finding one right now are better than ever.

"Seasonal hiring is up,” said Shannon Butler of the Colorado Retail Council. “Last year we hired about 450,000 people nationwide and this year we're anticipating doing almost 500,000 so we're really looking forward to it."

But be ready for some tough competition for those holiday jobs.

With so many people still out of work, employers can pick and choose among the best candidates to hire during the busy holiday season.

For example, Target is hiring 92,000 seasonal workers.

"We're looking for highly motivated people, a diverse work force, that's willing to be on after Christmas," said Jason Albertson, the shift store manager at the Target Superstore in Glendale.

They and other metro area retailers will likely add more workers than last season as consumers dust off their wallets.

And there are a lot more applicants with experience like Tynara Albert, who has worked in several retail stores.

"I'm going to get anything I can, you know? In this day and age, it's like I just need a job," laughed Albert after handing in an application at the Target.

November gives retailers insight into the holiday shopping season, and, so far, the outlook is positive.

Holiday sales are projected to be up between three and six-percent, and retailers will add about 490,000 seasonal jobs. But with so many still unemployed from layoffs and cutbacks, employers can be choosy about who they hire.

"It would be great if you had some people skills and some retail experience,” said Butler of the Colorado retail trade group, “But basically we're looking for folks who are enthusiastic, cheerful and are excited about the holiday season."

"I love being around people and I'd love to be here, " said Patricia Medina while she was filling out her Target application.

Maggie Queen recently turned an internship into an assistant manager job right out of college.

“I worked extremely hard to get the internship,” said Queen, “And then to get the job … so I think that definitely working hard is key and being smart about how hard you work."

Besides their brick and mortar stores many retailers are also hiring seasonal help with online sales.

Macy's, Kohl’s and several other big box stores are also hiring tens of thousands.

UPS and FedEx are gearing up for one of the biggest shipping seasons ever, and they are adding a combined 70,000-plus seasonal workers.