Do you want to earn some extra cash for the holidays?
Are you a college student looking for a job over break?
Would you like to get your foot in the door with a new employer?
Consider a seasonal job! Employers are hiring record numbers of seasonal workers to help during this year’s busy holiday season.
Why seasonal employment?
Perks and incentives
With the high demand for seasonal workers, employers know they need to offer competitive wages. Many retailers have increased their starting wage. Kohl’s at Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids is offering higher seasonal pay over last year. Target stores are offering $12/hr to all seasonal staff—a dollar an hour more than last year. Amazon’s recent hike in minimum wage to $15/hr includes part-time, temporary and seasonal workers.
In addition to increased pay, employers are getting creative with incentives to attract seasonal help. JCPenney is offering seasonal employees paid time-off for the first time. Target started the work.win.give program which will award one hourly team member per store a $500 Target gift card and $500 to donate to the local community organization of their choice. Kohl’s associates can take advantage of extra discounts during friends and family weekends to get their holiday shopping done.
It’s easy to apply and interview
- All Kohl’s locations offer walk-in interviews to candidates during business hours but recommend coming on a weekday when it is less busy.
- Every Target store will be hosting seasonal hiring events Friday, Oct. 12 through Sunday, Oct. 14 from 10am to 6pm.
- JCPenney at Rivertown Mall in Grandville will host their annual National Hiring Day on Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 2 to 8pm.
Open the door to future employment
Seasonal work has the potential to turn into full-time regular employment for high-performing staff. Over the last three years 35% of people hired as seasonal UPS package handlers were given a permanent position after the holidays. “Seasonal hires will work through the end of the year,” explained a representative from Kohl’s, “with the potential to stay on pending performance and the store’s needs.”
Companies are hiring NOW for seasonal positions so don’t wait to apply. You can find out who is hiring locally and learn more about their opportunities here: westmiworks.org/seasonal.
Employment Expertise is provided by West Michigan Works! Learn more about how they can help: visit westmiworks.org or your local West Michigan Works! service center.
