Seasonal Gigs for Quick Holiday Cash

Do you want some quick cash to pay for Christmas? When times are hard and money is tight, a holiday job can be a welcome gift. However, in a struggling economy, employers tend to hire fewer seasonal workers. This can discourage people and cause them to give up before they even start their job search.

Don't let the weak economy keep you from looking for a seasonal job. Many businesses are overwhelmed with customers during the Christmas shopping season. Major chain retailers, service companies, and dining establishments usually hire more workers in the fall to keep things moving along during the holiday rush.

While most seasonal hiring takes place in September and October, there is usually some turnover. So don't lose hope if you are still looking for a job in November or December. It may be waiting for you right now.

And there is more good news. Many seasonal workers are hired into full time positions after the holidays. In fact, one third of the companies that hire seasonal workers transition some of these part time workers into permanent employees.

Are you ready to earn some quick Christmas cash this holiday season? Here are a few tips to help you find a profitable holiday job.

Employment websites are a good starting place to find a holiday job. The Internet is home to several great job search sites. Indeed, SnagAJob, and Simply Hired are three examples.

Indeed and Simply Hired aggregate job listings from thousands of sites across the web: job boards, classified ads, newspaper listings, social networks, professional associations, and company websites. SnagAJob is a niche site for hourly wage positions.

To narrow your search on employment websites, type "holiday jobs" or "seasonal jobs" along with your city, region, or zip code. And be willing to be flexible. Most seasonal jobs require you to work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

According to a recent Forbes report, the major retailers will hire 700,000 additional workers for the new holiday season.

Macy's, Kohl's, Walmart and Toys 'R Us plan to boost their holiday hiring with a slight increase over 2011. Job seekers can also find holiday jobs at Best Buy and Target, although these retailers will post fewer seasonal positions this year.

Small local businesses may wait for early returns before firming up their hiring plans. Mall shops and specialty boutiques will likely do the same. But don't overlook these holiday jobs sources. It never hurts to ask.

National staffing agencies like Snelling and Kelly Services can help you find a holiday job. They offer job placement services during the Christmas shopping season and throughout the year.

Many local temp services also hire for the holiday season. Visit your local Chamber of Commerce or ask around for reliable agencies in your area.

The non-retail delivery giants also hire seasonal workers. This hiring boost is mainly due to the popularity of online shopping sites like eBay and Amazon.

Package delivery companies such as FedEx and UPS will increase seasonal hiring this year. Many local businesses also hire delivery drivers for the holiday season.

• Casserly, Meghan. (October 2, 2012) "700,000 New Retail Jobs for Holiday 2012: Here's Who's Hiring." Forbes. Retrieved October 31, 2012.
• Kennedy, Joyce Lain. (n.d.) "Ten Tips for Finding Seasonal Jobs at Holiday Time." Dummies.com. Retrieved November 15, 2011.
• Zhang, Moran. (November 8, 2011). "Seasonal Hiring in U.S. Retail may be Flat This Year, but Can Still Lead to Permanent Jobs." International Business News. Retrieved November 15, 2011.

Copyright © 2011. Annette R. Smith. All rights reserved.

Published: November 15, 2011 / Modified: March 11, 2013.

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