Companies Need Workers for Seasonal Jobs
Some relish the prospect of buying books, clothing or house wares from their favorite store at a discount. And others are hoping for solid experience that will lead to a long-term job. For all these reasons, hundreds of thousands of workers take temporary jobs for the holiday season.
Opportunities range from packaging and shipping positions to jobs in warehouses and distribution centers. But when most people hear "holiday hiring," they think retail -- and that is indeed a major focus for employers. U.S. retailers added almost 700,000 holiday jobs in 2005. Some stores hire thousands nationwide: Crate and Barrel, for example, expects to add about 3,000 seasonal workers this year. And some jobs are created by small shops that hire just one or two extra workers.
A Shortage of Talent
This year, experts predict the overall number of holiday jobs will be about the same as last year, but the atmosphere will be different.
"There's a serious talent shortage out there," said Jim Nelson, regional director for the Pacific Northwest region of Manpower. "It's going to be tougher for the companies doing the hiring this year than it was last year."
Most holiday hiring happens in November, though some stores start assembling their teams in October and others are still filling slots in December. Seasonal positions generally last until early January.
The Required Skills
Employers say they are looking for reliable workers who can provide excellent customer service. Other qualities that will help land a job are highlighted below.
Flexibility: Julie Rudolph, owner of Blue Kangaroo Books in Danville, Ill., keeps her children's bookstore open longer in the evenings and weekends, starting after Thanksgiving. And she's not alone. These hours are typically when retailers need extra help.
At Crate and Barrel, the ads for seasonal workers specify that applicants must have flexible schedules and be able to work during Thanksgiving and Christmas weeks.
"We do want people who are going to be available when we're the busiest," said Kim Swinkle, associate relations supervisor for Crate and Barrel.
Math and cash register skills: Rudolph looks for bookstore applicants with computer experience, because "then the cash register won't be too frightening to them."
Enthusiasm for the merchandise: Many retailers advertise in their stores for seasonal workers, hoping regular customers who know and appreciate the store's goods will apply. For Rudolph, knowledge of children's books is important when she makes her hires. At Carte and Barrel, knowledge of the store's products is a plus, though not essential, Swinkle said.
Potential for Permanent Work
The vast majority of seasonal jobs are just that -- seasonal -- and they end after the holidays are over. But it is possible for a holiday job to lead to something more. Sometimes, for example, a store will need someone to take the place of a regular worker who is leaving.
"There are retailers who use this holiday hiring period as a recruiting ground," said John Challenger, CEO of global outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. "You get to see how people really are."
