Rick Peterson's Page

It is getting closer and closer to the summer season. Most of you are probably excited for your 2009 adventures. When I worked seasonally I always went a little stir crazy about this time. I knew where I was going and wanted to get there. If you are in the same condition I always was, you run the risk (as I did) of forgetting to pack something or make an important final arrangement. Excitement is the friend of forgetfulness in my household. So I wrote this last-minute checklist for you to hopefu… Continue

I thought I would write a blog on some of the differing summer work strategies I’ve seen over the years. Some are good and some are bad, but they are popular. I see them every summer. Hopefully you can create a strategy for yourself that includes much of the good and very little of the bad.

1. The Early Bird – this strategy focuses on your first month at your new job. Most seasonal jobs come with various discounts. The Early Bird tries to use every discount they have in their first month of wor… Continue

The past chapters on my employee journey blog have focused almost exclusively on the first time seasonal work experience. Well perk up all your “career” seasonal workers, I am writing this blog for the repeat seasonal employee. The goal is to help you become the lead, supervisor, or manager you always wished you had your first season. And if you are a first time seasonal employee, remember this advice as your season goes on. It can come in handy a year from now.

As a hiring manager the most dif… Continue

Well howdy, long time no see. I was on such a roll blogging, and I truly appreciated all the comments I was receiving, and then that darn work thing started getting in the way. I plan on continuing my Employee Journey series soon, but wanted to give everyone an update about the upcoming 2009 Alaska summer. The last 3 weeks have seen some pretty major changes.

I previously spoke about the downward trend in bookings in the cruising industry, specifically with my information working for Princess C… Continue

All too often prospective seasonal employees find themselves in a waiting game after they apply. There are a few reasons for this. First, employers often have a lot of applications to work through. When I work an application I look through the application, contact the applicant, set up an interview, spend 45 minutes to an hour interviewing them, and then have to decide if the person is a good fit for the positions I have available. Hiring is the most important part of my job year after year. If… Continue