INDIANAPOLIS -  

It may be only September, but economists say now is the time to start looking for an extra job if you want to work during the holidays.

Career experts predict waiting until October to look for an extra job will make the chances of finding one a lot slimmer.  

Although the holidays are three months away, Mass Ave. Toys owner Natalie Canull said she’s finished hiring her seasonal staff.

"It's completely on the radar. If you were to walk to the back of the store you would see boxes piled to the ceiling,” Canull said. "To have a well-trained staff, you have to bring them in early. Otherwise,they're just a body that stands there."

Employment experts are cautiously optimistic that seasonal hiring will be up slightly this year, with big-box retailers and shipping companies doing the most hiring.  

But with the labor pool full of qualified candidates, those jobs are still limited.

"With the economic conditions as they are right now, employers can be choosy about who they hire," said Joe Frank, with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. "They have a lot more (people) to choose from. So you really need to set yourself apart. Make sure you have a good resume together. Go to your local WorkOne where we offer free resume workshops and free interviewing workshops."

The labor pool full of qualified candidates and job-seekers should start looking sooner rather than later, Frank said.

Many employers want their seasonal help ready to go on Nov. 1.

"By the time the season begins, they'll be completely up to speed and bringing in sales to the register," Canull said.

The Better Business Bureau advised job-seekers to apply for jobs at places they frequent and to be flexible when it comes to scheduling.