Are you currently searching for a job or looking for a way to make some extra money? Do you need some additional work experience on your resume? If so, you may be an ideal candidate for one of the many seasonal employment opportunities that come around during this time of year. Besides providing you with extra spending money, a seasonal job can also have valuable career benefits. Learn more about seasonal employment and whether it could be the right opportunity for you.
Important information about seasonal employment:
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Companies are hiring right now for the holiday season. With the low unemployment rate, employers have a real need for extra workers and need to hire early to train them for the busy season. Retailers such as Target, Macy’s and Walmart, and shippers like FedEx and UPS are all hiring. In addition, e-commerce companies such as Amazon and Fanatics and a host of other types of companies (food/flower distributors, restaurants, caterers, etc.) are all looking for seasonal employees. Click here for a list of 10 companies hiring for the holidays and their pay rates.
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There are plenty of opportunities for seasonal work. UPS is expected to hire up to 95,000 seasonal employees for various positions in their warehouses and as drivers, while Target projects that they will hire roughly 100,000 holiday retail workers. You can look online for seasonal positions using job boards such as Indeed.com, craigslist, or go directly to the company website and their employment page. Look for hiring signs posted in local stores and businesses or ask in-person, and reach out to your friends and network about opportunities at their places of employment.
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Seasonal pay is competitive and can range from $11 an hour for retail positions to $32 an hour for drivers. Some companies offering retention and signing bonuses. In addition, seasonal jobs may extend into the New Year or even better, may turn into a permanent position. Some employers will use seasonal employment as a recruitment opportunity. Remember to treat the position with professionalism – be dependable, flexible and positive.
Career benefits of seasonal employment:
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Resume building: Adding some experience or filling employment gaps on your resume is one of the potential benefits of working a seasonal job. It’s also a great way to try out a new field or industry without a long-term commitment.
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Get your foot in the door: A seasonal job can allow potential employers to test you out as an employee and allow you to network. When future full time/permanent opportunities open up you are already on their radar.
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Practice: Applying for a seasonal job will allow you to practice resume writing and interviewing skills.
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References: Working a seasonal job also provides you with a recent reference for future employment opportunities.
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Flexibility: Seasonal employment tends to provide flexible work hours allowing you to still focus on other priorities like school or finding full-time employment.
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Work: Some work is better than no work. A seasonal job can always provide some extra cash for holiday expenses.
