Holiday Rush

Exploring Seasonal Jobs
When most people think about the holiday rush, they are envisioning the massive crowds hitting the stores, especially on the infamous day known as Black Friday. This truly is the busiest time of year for retail establishments. It can be a “make it or break it” season that determines the end of year bottom line.

To support all of this hustle and bustle, businesses tend to add staff to their payrolls from mid-Fall through late January. From gaming and electronics stores that are anticipating the introduction of Xbox One, to retail stores like Macy’s that are anticipating large increases in online traffic…retailers of all sizes add literally tens of thousands of positions nationwide during the holiday season. 1

While retail jobs are usually what come to mind, there are also many other businesses that bring on holiday helpers. A few other options you might want to explore include jobs with temporary agencies, delivery jobs, various outdoor positions (like those at skating rinks), Santa’s Helpers (like you find at photo opportunity stations), and banquet servers. 2, 3, 4, 5

What’s even more appealing than that holiday dough you could be making is that nearly half of all seasonal employers transition at least some of their staff into permanent positions. It’s estimated that permanent hiring this season will be 10 percent over last year.6 So when you take that seasonal job, think of it as an audition–a chance to showcase your talents and prove what a valuable team member you can be.

Whether you are unemployed, underemployed, or just looking for a little extra holiday cash, hopefully this blog will get you to think about the holiday rush in a new light. It could well be that it is the rush that takes you from earning a little dough to possibly springing into a new career in the New Year.

1 Taylor, Carrie, Seasonal Jobs for Fall 2013
2 Doyle, Alison, Seasonal Jobs
3 Zendejas, Daniel I Could Soooo Be an Elf Again
4 Zendejas, Daniel, I Have So Been an Elf…Now What?
5 Zendejas, Daniel, I Could So Be an Elf
6 Aerotek, Inc. Information and Advice for Those Trying to Find Seasonal Work

Bobi Cook is a Regional Facilitator for Workforce Solutions in the Houston – Galveston area. She currently conducts job skills seminars throughout the 13 county Gulf Coast region utilizing her MBA and over ten cumulative years experience as a professional educator, quality systems manager within the automotive industry, and small business administrator to help job seekers develop and implement successful job search campaigns.

Author: Blogforce

Workforce Solutions provides comprehensive human resource services for businesses and residents of the 13-county Houston-Galveston Gulf Coast region. Workforce Solutions helps employers solve workforce-related business problems and area residents build careers, so that both can better compete in the changing worldwide economy. Our Employer Service Division provides personalized service to help employers find qualified applicants for their jobs, build the skills and expertise of their new and current employees, and address human resource needs. We operate multiple community-based career offices in 13 Texas Gulf Coast counties to help residents get a job, keep a job or get a better job – offering placement, career counseling and financial aid services. We partner with the region’s businesses, educational institutions, civic organizations and community leaders to find solutions to current and future labor needs of industries that are vital to the region and its economy.

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