Job seekers, take note: Employers are upbeat about seasonal hiring

“By showcasing their skills and work ethic in a real-world setting, (older workers) can prove their capabilities directly rather than relying solely on resumes or interviews,” Kyle M.K., a career trends expert at Indeed, told Yahoo Finance. “This hands-on experience can help break down stereotypes and foster a more inclusive workplace, ultimately leading to more permanent opportunities.”

The upside of seasonal work is tough to ignore. You’re making some money. You’re learning some skills, maybe even getting some references that you can use in the future, and keeping your resume alive.

Not only can seasonal jobs bridge the gap to a permanent job right where you are, they can jumpstart your mindset and open your eyes to jobs you may have never considered in your wheelhouse.

“I’ve seen clients find new confidence, energy, and structure in their lives as a result of signing up for seasonal work,” Beverly Jones, a Washington, D.C.-based executive career coach and author of “Find Your Happy at Work,” told Yahoo Finance.

“Seasonal jobs are obviously a great way to earn a little cash without making a big commitment, but the value of a short-term job can be much greater than that,” Jones said. “If you’re thinking about a career transition, seasonal work can give you a chance to explore different fields, broaden your resume, and notice what you do and don’t want in your work life.”

For people who have been out of work or are “unretiring,” a seasonal job can offer a new sense of purpose and the opportunity to engage with other people, she said.

Another selling point: “If you’ve lost your job and are searching for a new one, don’t hesitate to take a short-term gig,” Jones said. “Potential employers like to see people who hustle, who are willing to try new things, and who have the confidence to explore a variety of opportunities.”

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With the holiday hiring season well underway, here’s some of my advice for seasonal job seekers:

Stop by for a face-to-face. Many retailers offer online applications, but it’s best to meet the manager in person. Offer future help. If you want to extend your hours after the holidays or be willing to work during other hectic times of the year, tell the manager during the interview. It could sway the decision your way since employers are looking for ways to trim the cost of future hiring and training.

Be flexible. Holiday jobs mean adding and cutting hours at a drop of the hat, depending on the ebb and flow of demand during peak periods.

Network. Kick off your job search by checking with friends already working in places that typically add holiday workers.

Go where they know you. Check for openings at establishments where you are an existing customer.

Don’t wait for a help-wanted sign. If there are shops or restaurants where you’d like to work, drop by during an off-peak time and meet the manager or assistant manager. Previous experience helps, but it’s not a deal breaker at this frenzied time of year.

Insider knowledge helps. If you’re hawking computers at the Apple store, a sense of the technical distinctions between products is vital.

Bottom line: Temporary work is better than sitting in your house hoping to get a job, Joseph Fuller, a professor at Harvard Business School, told me. “A lot of companies use those jobs as rent-to-own jobs: ‘Let me see what kind of job Joe does. He gets along well with everybody. I wonder if he would take this job full-time.’”

Kerry Hannon is a Senior Columnist at Yahoo Finance. She is a career and retirement strategist, and the author of 14 books, including “In Control at 50+: How to Succeed in The New World of Work” and “Never Too Old To Get Rich.” Follow her on X @kerryhannon.

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