Three years ago, Lisa Popa was hired for a three-month stint as a tax preparer at an accounting firm.
But as April drew to a close, her tax season position did not. Popa is now a tax supervisor at Matthews, Carter & Boyce P.C., a firm based in Fairfax, Va.
The seasonal gig was the perfect tryout for Popa, 61. “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.”
Seasonal jobs highest since 2021
Since September, however, US employers have announced plans to hire 659,850 seasonal workers, the highest total since 2021 when 967,300 seasonal opportunities were tallied, according to outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
“The economy and job market seem to be chugging along and seasonal employers are optimistic for a strong holiday,” Andrew Challenger, senior vice president of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, told Yahoo Finance.
That’s despite the US labor market adding far fewer jobs than expected in October — just 12,000 payrolls vs. the 100,000 expected by economists.
But retailers, in particular, appear to be ramping up for a strong spending season, according to the Challenger report. Target announced the company would hire 100,000 workers for the holidays in their stores and fulfillment centers. Others ramping up seasonal hires include Aldi, Amazon, Bath & Body Works, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and UPS.
“Seasonal jobs are great opportunities for job seekers who want to eliminate gaps in their resumes or build new skills," Challenger said. “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, postings for seasonal workers start ramping up in September and peak in November.
Getting a foot in the door
During busy times of the year, particularly the holiday shopping season, jobs surge to meet a temporary boost in demand. Getting hired quickly becomes less complicated.
While you might think of these seasonal jobs as just short-term gigs, they actually offer some great benefits. Not the biggies, of course, such as health insurance or a 401(k) retirement plan, but certainly a foot in the door — which could lead to a permanent gig that does include those benefits.
Popa had taken a three-year sabbatical when she took the temporary accounting position. It turned out to be her way back into the workforce.
“I liked the work; they liked me; I liked them,” she said. “And they said, ‘We'd like to keep you.’”
For workers over 50, seasonal work can be a powerful tool against ageism in hiring too.
“By showcasing their skills and work ethic in a real-world setting, (older workers) can prove their capabilities directly rather than relying solely on resumes or interviews,” Kyle M.K., a career trends expert at Indeed, told Yahoo Finance. “This hands-on experience can help break down stereotypes and foster a more inclusive workplace, ultimately leading to more permanent opportunities.”
Historically, job postings for seasonal workers start ramping up in September and peak in November. (Getty Creative) ·The Good Brigade via Getty Images
Other benefits of seasonal work
The upside of seasonal work is tough to ignore. You're making some money. You're learning some skills, maybe even getting some references that you can use in the future, and keeping your resume alive.
Not only can seasonal jobs bridge the gap to a permanent job right where you are, they can jumpstart your mindset and open your eyes to jobs you may have never considered in your wheelhouse.
“I’ve seen clients find new confidence, energy, and structure in their lives as a result of signing up for seasonal work,” Beverly Jones, a Washington, D.C.-based executive career coach and author of “Find Your Happy at Work,” told Yahoo Finance.
“Seasonal jobs are obviously a great way to earn a little cash without making a big commitment, but the value of a short-term job can be much greater than that,” Jones said. “If you’re thinking about a career transition, seasonal work can give you a chance to explore different fields, broaden your resume, and notice what you do and don’t want in your work life.”
For people who have been out of work or are "unretiring," a seasonal job can offer a new sense of purpose and the opportunity to engage with other people, she said.
Another selling point: “If you’ve lost your job and are searching for a new one, don’t hesitate to take a short-term gig,” Jones said. “Potential employers like to see people who hustle, who are willing to try new things, and who have the confidence to explore a variety of opportunities.”
With the holiday hiring season well underway, here’s some of my advice for seasonal job seekers:
Stop by for a face-to-face. Many retailers offer online applications, but it’s best to meet the manager in person. Offer future help. If you want to extend your hours after the holidays or be willing to work during other hectic times of the year, tell the manager during the interview. It could sway the decision your way since employers are looking for ways to trim the cost of future hiring and training.
Be flexible. Holiday jobs mean adding and cutting hours at a drop of the hat, depending on the ebb and flow of demand during peak periods.
Network. Kick off your job search by checking with friends already working in places that typically add holiday workers.
Go where they know you. Check for openings at establishments where you are an existing customer.
Don’t wait for a help-wanted sign. If there are shops or restaurants where you’d like to work, drop by during an off-peak time and meet the manager or assistant manager. Previous experience helps, but it’s not a deal breaker at this frenzied time of year.
Insider knowledge helps. If you’re hawking computers at the Apple store, a sense of the technical distinctions between products is vital.
Bottom line: Temporary work is better than sitting in your house hoping to get a job, Joseph Fuller, a professor at Harvard Business School, told me. “A lot of companies use those jobs as rent-to-own jobs: ‘Let me see what kind of job Joe does. He gets along well with everybody. I wonder if he would take this job full-time.’”
