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While solid back-to-school sales boosted the confidence of retailers heading into the all-important holiday season, the possibility of increased sales this year may not be enough to spur a significant increase in seasonal hiring.

According to the annual holiday hiring forecast by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, seasonal job gains are likely to be slightly higher than a year ago but below pre-recession levels.

Those hoping to take advantage of the seasonal hiring should act early, as several sizable hiring plans announced by major retailers in September suggest that recruiting has started.

The economy has continued its slow recovery and surveys of retailers show that they are hopeful for solid sales gains this year. However, recent consumer confidence readings have been relatively week and unemployment remains stubbornly high. The mixed picture is likely to compel retail employers to proceed cautiously when it comes to hiring extra workers for the holiday season.

Look for many to start at last year’s levels and hire additional workers only if strong sales early in the season warrant it. Last year, retailers added just over 660,000. This year, that figure could approach 700,000. There is still too much uncertainty to expect seasonal employment gains to reach the level we saw in 2006, when retailers added nearly 747,000 extra workers at the end of the year.

At least one major retailer that announced early hiring plans intends to add fewer holiday workers. Last week, Target reported plans to add 80,000 to 90,000 seasonal workers, down from the 92,000 it hired a year ago.

Even if hiring at Target comes in closer to 80,000, it is still a lot of extra workers. Job seekers looking for seasonal positions should not rule out Target or any other potential employer. Last year, Target retained 30 percent of the seasonal workers it hired, which makes it an even more desirable prospect.

General merchandise stores, such as Target, are typically the biggest generator of seasonal jobs. Last year, this category alone added 308,600 workers during the holiday period from October through December. That includes the 229,000 extra workers added by department stores. Clothing and clothing accessory stores are the next most fruitful target for seasonal job seekers.

These establishments hired 195,100 workers a year ago. There are some positive trends that could help retailers achieve expected sales gains. Total payroll employment in August was up more than 1.8 million workers from August 2011. As of the second quarter, median weekly earnings had increased to $773, compared to $756 per week the same period a year ago.

Kohl’s, one of the early announcers, plans to increase its seasonal hiring this year to 52,700, up from 40,000 in 2011. Amazon announced plans to add 5,000 seasonal workers at its distribution facilities. We can also expect big hiring plans from UPS and FedEx, which typically add extra workers to help handle the increase holiday shipping.

It is not too early for holiday job seekers to begin their searches now. The bulk of the seasonal hiring decisions will be made in October. However, do not give up if your first attempts at finding a job are unsuccessful. There is constant churn in the retail industry. It has some of the highest turnover rates of any industry.

Additionally, do not limit yourself to “on-the-floor” sales positions. The big box stores, in particular, also need extra workers in their shipping facilities and overnight stocking positions. Opportunities also exist outside of retail, in areas like catering and with shipping companies such as UPS and FedEx.

When job seeking in retail or any other sector, it is important to remember some key interview guidelines: dress appropriately, be on time, show enthusiasm and follow up. According to one hiring manager, the biggest mistake job applicants make when seeking a holiday position is demanding a specific schedule from prospective employers.

If there are certain retail outlets where you would prefer to work, start going there when business is slow and try to make a connection with a manager or assistant manager. The key is separating oneself from the pile of applicants the store will see between now and Halloween.

– James Challenger is CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., global outplacement consultants based in Chicago.