Employers Show Optimism for Seasonal Hiring: An Opportunity for Job Seekers to Secure Long-Term Roles
With the holiday season fast approaching, job seekers might find themselves in an advantageous position as employers plan for an uptick in seasonal hiring. According to the latest reports, U.S. companies are gearing up to onboard hundreds of thousands of temporary workers to meet the demands of the busiest retail season of the year. Seasonal hiring not only serves as a solution to temporary labor needs but also offers workers the chance to turn short-term gigs into lasting employment.
A Successful Transition from Seasonal to Permanent: Lisa Popa’s Story
For some, seasonal work can be more than a temporary position—it can be the stepping stone to a permanent role. Take the example of Lisa Popa, a tax supervisor at Matthews, Carter & Boyce P.C., an accounting firm based in Fairfax, Virginia. Three years ago, Popa joined the firm for a short, three-month tax season position, not anticipating the impact this role would have on her career. After her initial stint ended, the firm decided to keep her on, recognizing her value. “I worked for a couple months and got to suss them out a little bit, and they got to check me out. It was a good fit,” Popa explains.
Popa’s experience isn’t unique. Many workers find that seasonal positions offer a great opportunity to “test the waters” with an employer, allowing both parties to evaluate compatibility before committing to a permanent role. For older job seekers, in particular, these temporary gigs provide a way to re-enter the workforce, often easing the challenges posed by age-related hiring biases.
Seasonal Job Openings Reach Highest Level Since 2021
This year marks a promising outlook for seasonal hiring. Outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reports that since September, U.S. employers have announced plans to hire 659,850 seasonal workers. This figure represents the highest number since 2021, when employers aimed to fill 967,300 seasonal roles.
“The economy and job market seem to be chugging along, and seasonal employers are optimistic for a strong holiday,” says Andrew Challenger, senior vice president of Challenger, Gray & Christmas. This positive outlook persists despite a recent decline in new job creation, as the U.S. labor market added only 12,000 payrolls in October—far below the projected 100,000.
Retailers, especially, are setting the stage for increased hiring this season. Major brands such as Target, which recently announced plans to hire 100,000 seasonal workers across stores and fulfillment centers, are among those preparing for a busy holiday period. Other companies, including Aldi, Amazon, Bath & Body Works, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and UPS, are also bolstering their workforce with seasonal hires.
Why Seasonal Work Appeals to Job Seekers
Seasonal jobs offer more than just a paycheck. For job seekers, these roles can help bridge resume gaps, expand skill sets, and open doors to permanent employment. “Seasonal jobs are great opportunities for job seekers who want to eliminate gaps in their resumes or build new skills,” Challenger notes. “Often, these seasonal positions become permanent. Particularly for teens, college students, and older workers, seasonal positions are ideal to get into the labor market.”
Historically, seasonal hiring ramps up in September and peaks around November. During this period, job seekers may find it easier to secure roles due to increased demand, particularly in retail, logistics, and customer service sectors.
A Path to Permanent Employment and Benefits
One common misconception about seasonal jobs is that they are purely temporary. In reality, many companies use these roles as an extended interview process, offering candidates a “foot in the door” that can lead to a full-time position complete with benefits. While short-term positions typically lack health insurance or retirement plans, they often pave the way to roles that include these perks.
Lisa Popa’s experience highlights this potential. After taking a three-year sabbatical, she returned to work through a temporary tax season role. The company saw her value and offered her a permanent position. “I liked the work; they liked me; I liked them,” Popa says. “And they said, ‘We’d like to keep you.’”
Benefits for Older Job Seekers
Seasonal roles offer older workers a valuable chance to counteract ageism in the hiring process. By demonstrating their skills and work ethic in real-world settings, these individuals can dispel misconceptions that sometimes hinder their employment opportunities. Kyle M.K., a career trends expert at Indeed, observes that hands-on experience through seasonal work “can help break down stereotypes and foster a more inclusive workplace, ultimately leading to more permanent opportunities.”
For job seekers over 50, seasonal work can serve as a powerful tool to showcase their capabilities directly, bypassing potential biases that might arise in traditional resume screenings or interviews. The chance to engage with a company in a temporary capacity allows seasoned professionals to prove their value, often leading to extended or permanent roles.
Preparing for Seasonal Hiring Opportunities
Job seekers hoping to capitalize on seasonal hiring opportunities should act quickly. Employers typically begin posting seasonal positions as early as September, with demand peaking closer to the holiday season. To maximize their chances, candidates should:
Apply early: Seasonal roles can fill quickly, so getting applications in as soon as possible is key.
Tailor resumes: Highlight skills relevant to the industry or position, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability.
Consider multiple roles: Some companies may have various openings across different departments, offering increased chances of securing a position.
Showcase availability: Employers often prefer candidates who can work during peak holiday times, especially weekends and evenings.
Conclusion
With a positive outlook for seasonal hiring, job seekers have a unique chance to secure temporary work that may lead to permanent employment. For those looking to build experience, eliminate resume gaps, or return to the workforce after a break, seasonal roles provide an effective entry point. As retailers and logistics companies anticipate a busy holiday season, temporary roles abound, presenting candidates of all ages the potential to turn seasonal gigs into full-time careers.
Source : Swifteradio.com
