If you’re looking to make a little extra money this holiday season to buy things you don’t need, chances are you’re on the hunt for a seasonal job. But if this new survey from Careerbuilder.com is as accurate as it seems, you face some pretty stiff competition. Survey says 1-in-8 employed workers plan to take on a seasonable job.
With the unemployment rate flying above 10% (yes, that is a Kandi Burruss reference), employed workers have to compete with out of work applicants are itching for that retail, package delivery, and movie theater gig for the sake of securing a steady pay check just in time for the shopping season. Plus, many hope that a temporary hire could turn into a permanent job offer after the New Year.
But, though there’s obviously more interest in seasonal work this year, the amount of available positions might not be able to keep up with demand.
USA Today reports:
CareerBuilder.com is more optimistic in its hiring outlook. It expects it to be on par with last year. However, 2008's hiring levels were dramatically lower than the previous five years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Yet, many big firms are cutting back. For instance, retail behemoth Target hopes to glean some savings by reducing its number of untrained new hires in favor of asking existing employees to work more shifts.
If you’re fortunate enough to become a seasonal worker this year, you’re about even on whether you’ll learn more or less vs. last year. Roughly 12% of hiring managers say they’ll increase pay while 15% say they’re planning a decrease.
The pay breakdown is as follows:
How much managers expect to pay per hour:
20% between $6 and $8.
34% between $8 and $10.
44% at least $10.
12% at least $16.
Are you searching for a seasonal job? If so, has it been difficult to find work? I’d love to hear about your employment search.
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Michael Arceneaux hails from Houston, lives in Harlem and praises Beyoncé’s name wherever he goes. Follow him on Twitter.