The holidays are here, and many unemployed are looking for seasonal work. Lauren Johnson has the story.

Many are on the lookout for work, and typically the holidays abound in temporary employment opportunities. But this year, the opportunities are slimmer.

November and December offer temporary employment opportunities. But this year, as the number of unemployed people grows, fewer people seem to be hiring for the holiday season.

Jill Kleist, Department of Labor: "We've had a lower response in terms of openings for seasonal help."

Melissa has been looking for a job for a few months now. A mother of three, her husband works, but her family was hoping for extra income.

Melissa Ely: "Everything from applications online to job services, to going to the mall and filling out apps, just looking everywhere and anywhere."

Heath Braverman: "Unfortunately there's a lot of people without jobs - good qualified people that have families. They have bills to pay, mortgages."

Melissa decided to give an employment agency a try. She went to Intelligent Employment Solutions in Pocatello.

Heath Braverman, Intelligent Employment Solutions: "With Christmas coming, we do see a jump in applicants. Probably an average of 15 to 20 people a day."

But although this season remains a tougher job market, it's still possible. Melissa is now finally finding work.

Jill Kleist, Department of Labor: "Certainly it's there. You just have to hit the pavement a little bit harder to find that."

Melissa Ely: "They kept me updated and they were really nice; filled out an application and they've kept me informed."

Jill Kleist, Department of Labor: "Use your networks. Ask people that know or who work there. Make sure you contact those folks."

Heath Braverman, Intelligent Employment Solutions: "We're able to use the ones that truly want a good job. It feels good to help them. It really does."

Heath said that although job offerings are more slim, the best tip he can give to those who use a temp agency is to call in daily. He said those are the people who land the seasonal jobs.