Despite the labor market slowdown, demand is growing for seasonal workers as the holidays approach, according to a recent report from career platform Monster.
Starting in October, companies begin to “ramp up” hiring for seasonal gigs to allow time to train new employees, says Monster career expert Vicki Salemi.
Around the same time, many workers start thinking about “how to earn more money throughout the holidays,” she says.
The amount of job seekers searching for seasonal jobs on Monster tripled between September and October, and doubled again between October and November this year, according to Salemi.
Retail-related seasonal jobs typically spike in the months leading up to Christmas due to the increase in shopping and e-commerce activity, Salemi says.
And though holiday hiring in retail is projected to slow this year, many companies are hiring seasonal workers for sales jobs and logistics and transport roles like delivery driver, warehouse worker and materials handler, she says.
Still, “it’s important for workers to think outside of the box” when looking for seasonal jobs, Salemi says.
Tax accountant may not be the first job that comes to mind for the holiday season, but there is a “strong demand for them right now because tax season is coming quickly,” she says.
Similarly, beauty consultant isn’t a role that is “specific to the holidays,” Salemi says, but many people enlist expert help to look their best at festive parties and year-end events.
These are the top 10 seasonal jobs hiring right now, based on Monster’s analysis of thousands of job postings on the platform in November.
1. Delivery driver
2. Warehouse worker
3. Beauty consultant
4. Customer service representative
5. Materials handler
6. Tax accountant
7. Technical specialist
8. Retail sales specialist
9. Sales representative
10. Photographer
If you’re hoping to land a seasonal role this year, it’s not too late to start looking.
Before applying, Salemi advises job seekers to rework their resumes to align with the job description.
“Look at the job, then compare it to your resume, and ask yourself, where’s the overlap?” she says.
She also advises workers to figure out their schedules before applying to a seasonal role.
“You need to determine going into it, what are my available hours realistically to work so you don’t reach burnout,” Salemi says.
For people hoping to transition into different careers or industries, working a seasonal job is “an excellent way for workers to get the foot in the door for even a new long term, full-time job,” she says.
If that’s your goal, it’s crucial to make a strong impression during your time as a seasonal worker, Salemi says. Above all, companies are looking to hire “positive and enthusiastic” employees with “an incredible work ethic,” she says.
Seasonal jobs also provide opportunities to network and make “valuable connections” at a company, according to Salemi: “Ask people in other departments, ‘Hey, can I take you to lunch or cup of coffee? I’m really curious about your marketing department,'” she says.
The seasonal gig may end, but “that doesn’t mean your relationship will end with the people you work with,” she says.
Want to stand out, grow your network, and get more job opportunities? Sign up today for Smarter by CNBC Make It’s new online course, How to Build a Standout Personal Brand: Online, In Person, and At Work. Learn how to showcase your skills, build a stellar reputation, and create a digital presence that AI can’t replicate.
Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It’s newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life, and request to join our exclusive community on LinkedIn to connect with experts and peers.
