PORTLAND, Ore. - If you want to get work over the holidays, now is the time to start looking because this is when the big stores are hiring holiday help.

The good news is that even with the bad economy, big stores in the Portland area are planning to hire holiday workers this year, although not as many as usual.  That means job seekers will have to try to stand out above the rest.

Target is one of the businesses looking for seasonal workers and they are hiring now. Also, experts say to try the discount chain stores because that is where people will be spending their holiday money this year and that is where workers will be needed.

Here are what experts say you should to do get that holiday job:

• Do not demand a specific schedule.  We are told that is the #1 mistake that seasonal job seekers make.
• Contact your friends who work at businesses and let them know you are interested.
• Be flexible. You may have to work at a different store or different hours than you want.
• Start now because stores are looking now.