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If you are looking to make extra income, but aren’t looking for a long-term job, then seasonal jobs are an ideal solution. This article will provide information on seasonal work and how you can land a position that’s right for you.
What is a Seasonal Job?
Before going any further, let’s answer the question, what is a seasonal job?
Seasonal jobs are temporary in nature and last for the duration of the season. They commonly include retail-related jobs that can be taken over the holiday season to handle the increased demand. They are a great way to earn money to fund all those gifts you will be buying.
There are also other types of seasonal work to be found. For instance, a teenager may take a summer job like camp counselor so they can generate income while they are not in school.
A seasonal job is a great way to bring in additional income and gain experience. In some cases, seasonal work can turn into permanent work. In other instances, you may be able to come back to the same company every year when they need extra hands on deck.
Seasonal jobs can usually be classified by winter and summer jobs.
Winter Jobs
While retail and delivery jobs will keep you busy as a seasonal worker for the holiday season, there are some seasonal jobs that will employ you throughout the winter.
Consider winter sports, for example. You may end up getting a job as a ski or snowboard instructor. You could also work hospitality in a ski lodge or get a position at an ice-skating rink. When it comes to winter work, the possibilities seem endless.
Summer Jobs
Summer jobs are great for teens, but they provide opportunities for all age groups.
When it comes to seasonal jobs for the summer, you may consider becoming a lifeguard or a jet ski, swimming or surf instructor. Applying to be a camp counselor is another position that will give you terrific experience if you are interested in pursuing a career in childcare.
Now that we have cleared up questions regarding what a seasonal job is, let’s jump into some specific seasonal positions you may consider applying for.
Retail
Retail is one of the hottest markets when it comes to seasonal hiring. They will need several workers to help them deal with the many customers coming in to buy gifts during the holiday season. They may be hiring cashiers, warehouse help, stock people, inventory specialists, merchandisers and more.
If you want a seasonal job in retail, you are better off targeting department stores and large chain stores such as Macy’s, Target and Bloomingdale’s. However, it is possible that smaller chains and boutiques in your area may be hiring seasonally as well.
A Temp Agency
Registering with a temp agency is a great way to find seasonal work. Though an agency may connect you with retail opportunities, temp positions tend to be more administrative in nature.
Companies that work with temp agencies may be looking for extra hands to help them through a busy time. For example, a tax office may need extra help at the beginning of the year. In other cases, an office may need someone to fill in for a worker on maternity leave.
If you are looking for seasonal jobs through a temp agency, then the more skills you have the better. This includes familiarity with software programs and administrative tools.
To apply for temp work, go to a temp agency. There are probably plenty in your area that can be found with some online research. They will test you in several areas to determine your strongest skills. Then they will send you out to companies that need workers based on what they feel will be a good match.
Some people can sustain a living going from temp agency to temp agency. It’s a great way to gain experience and it keeps you from falling into a rut.
Delivery
Like retail, the delivery industry tends to get busy during the holiday season. With so many people ordering gifts online, you can bet companies like UPS and FedEx are looking for plenty of seasonal workers.
Delivery jobs tend to require a lot of driving, which is something not everyone enjoys. But the nice thing about it is, there isn’t much supervision while you are working. Companies may be hiring for warehouse positions as well.
Festival Jobs
It seems that festivals are getting more popular each year. Music lovers enjoy festivals like Coachella and Stage Coach, while food and drink lovers can get in on the fun with Oktoberfest, Taste of Chicago and more.
All of these festivals need staff to help run them which may provide weeks or months of employment. Similar seasonal jobs include working at a fair or a venue that’s only open during certain times of the year.
Cannabis Trimmer
Cannabis is becoming a very lucrative industry. If you are interested in getting in on the ground floor, then applying to work as a cannabis trimmer may be your ideal seasonal job.
A cannabis trimmer typically works during harvest season that runs from mid-September to early October. They must know how to trim the plant correctly. Because this is an entry level position, on the job training may be provided.
In some instances, trimmers may be kept around to work around the farm doing equipment maintenance, storing and more. Once you have experience in the industry, you may be able to work your way up to higher income positions.
Tour Guide
Tour guides can be year-round positions, but it is most in-demand during peak tourist seasons. For example, if you work as a tour guide in Paris, you may get the most work during the spring. If you work in Australia, you may make most of your income during the summer months when it’s winter in the rest of the world.
As a tour guide, you will be taking groups around a specific area, and you will need to know a lot about the location. It’s not easy work, and it may take some training. However, it’s an ideal position for history buffs and people with strong interpersonal skills.
Working Abroad
If you love to travel, working abroad may be the way to go when it comes to seasonal work. This type of employment is usually attained through being in the military or when you sign up through a program, such as CIEE. Some schools offer these programs to high school and college students, but people of all ages can enjoy the experience of working abroad.
Depending on your status, the position may be paid or unpaid. Common types of work include teaching, writing, interning, photography and volunteering. It’s the perfect way to get job experience while learning about cultures around the world.
How to Find Seasonal Jobs
Seasonal jobs can be found the same way you would apply for any other type of position. Simply search on Job Searcher’s site, refine your search, and apply to a job of your choosing.
Conclusion
Remember to get a jump on things. So, if you are looking for a summer job, start applying in the spring. If you’re looking for a winter job, fall is when you want to begin checking out those listings.
Seasonal jobs are a great way to earn valuable experience and generate extra income. Now that you know what seasonal employment is and what companies are likely to be hiring, you are ready to start your journey.
Happy Job Searching!
