The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot in the workforce this year, but the need for holiday seasonal work is still there. But the jobs and procedures may look a little different than in years past.
The Washington Post recently had a story about this year’s seasonal work and the changes folks could expected. “As shoppers do more of their spending online and opt for home delivery and curbside pickup, temporary jobs are moving from big-box stores and shopping malls to warehouses and call centers,” the article states. “That shift is leading to changing responsibilities — and in some cases, higher wages and more perks — for workers.”
If you’re looking to pick up some shifts this holiday season, here are a few things to consider and keep in mind.
Weigh your options
As you can probably guess, some of the big retailers – Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Amazon – are all looking to hire this season. That Washington Post article we mentioned indicates that many of these companies have sweetened the deal this year.
Walmart, Target and Best Buy have increased their wages to $15 an hour, while Hobby Lobby has increased full-time workers to $17 an hour. The job roles have also shifted in 2020, and these companies are looking to fill positions for curbside pickup, distribution centers and cleaning and sanitization. Target is looking to add 130,000 people, Walmart 20,000 and Amazon 100,000. If you have the opportunity to weigh one option over the other, do so!
Find the best skills fit
We mentioned that some of the retail roles have changed, but there’s a lot behind-the-scenes that have changed, too. A staffing company called PeopleReady released some numbers about this upcoming season – and if you’ve received training through FastForward, you may have a leg up.
According to PeopleReady, some of the top roles to fill include warehouse associates (like forklift operators, shipping and receiving), customer service representatives, production workers (packaging and material handlers), stockers and other retail workers (like truck loaders and unloaders). Our manufacturing, heavy equipment operator and logistics and transportation training could all be helpful on the job this holiday season.
Put your all into it
Lastly, and this should go without saying, but whatever role you land in, remember to give it your all. You may just be applying for a seasonal gig stocking shelves or packaging orders, but you never know where that gig can lead. Your employer could be using the holiday season as a test run for full-time positions, or maybe there’s an opportunity to be a shift leader – even if it’s for a limited run. Give it your all, remember those soft skills like being on time and make a lasting impression.
If you’re looking for more skills that can make you a more hirable and desirable candidate, consider reaching out to your FastForward Career Coach at your local community college to get started.