Want extra cash for the holidays? Here’s where to find seasonal jobs ~ money news

A seasonal job is perfect for someone who wants to earn some more money without much commitment. For those looking for work, now is the time to apply.

A quick search on Workopolis shows 3,220 seasonal jobs. Monster.ca has more than 1,000 seasonal postings.

“If past years are any indication, we expect that number to increase in the coming weeks,” said Sheryl Boswell of Monster Canada.

READ MORE: Canada’s unemployment rate remains at 7% after 44,000 jobs added in October

Even though the site doesn’t usually see a spike in job searches during the latter part of the year, Boswell thinks that could translate to “less competition for seasonal jobs and therefore increased potential” to land one of them.

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7 best industries to target for a seasonal job

Retail

Man paying with credit card reader in shop

Hero images, Getty

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“The best way to get extra cash — retail,” said Darryl Moore, vice-president of the Executrade recruiting agency which has offices in B.C. and Alberta.

As stores gear up for the holiday shopping season, getting a job as a cashier or salesperson at a store is one of the easiest options.

It’s also one of the five industries with the most jobs posted on Monster.ca. The other four that do the most hiring are engineering, accounting, finance and manufacturing.

Unlike those, Moore points out retail doesn’t require much training.

“And no hard feelings leaving if it’s not for you.”

Shipping and packaging

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Amazon.ca is hiring more than 2,000 seasonal employees in B.C. and the Greater Toronto Area (specficially Brampton, Milton, Mississauga, New Westminster, and Delta).

The new hires will work at “fulfillment centres, where customers’ orders are filled and shipped out for delivery.”

UPS plans to bring on roughly 900 workers across Canada to meet the spike in demand leading up to the holidays.

Hospitality industry

Bartender pouring drinks at bar

JGI/Tom Grill, Getty

December is the busiest month for servers and bartenders thanks to endless Christmas parties.

Customers tend to be especially generous this time of year, which makes this a particularly profitable opportunity.

Even if you’re not able to land a job at a restaurant or bar (those might be a little more selective), you could try a banquet hall or an event staffing agency.

Event management

Security guards at an event

Robert Daly, Getty

Some holiday parties many need more support staff than others.

“This can range from caterers and party planners to A/V technicians and security,” said Boswell.

Outdoor recreation

Sunbeams burst from behind a snow covered tree, viewed from a chairlift holding skiers.

Dolan Halbrook, Getty

Ski hills and skating rinks need staffing too. One big job perk is that they often come with a view.

You don’t need to be an instructor or chair lift operator to land one of these gigs.

There are plenty of spots to fill in rentals, food service, ticketing and customer service.

For those who want to combine their love of the outdoors with a workout, there’s also snow shovelling for hire.

Customer service

Call centre operators

Minerva Studio

Any company that sells a holiday product likely needs extra customer service support during the winter season.

Credit card call centres need all hands on deck as well.

Travel

Tourist boarding at airport departure gate

Westend61, Getty

To support the influx of people who fly to see family and friends at Christmas, airports ramp up recruitment.

“Airlines may hire additional staff who are proficient in languages to assist in reservations or airline issues or disputes,” said Boswell.

It’s not just seasonal work

You could be in luck if you’d like a more permanent placement, according to a survey this fall by staffing firm OfficeTeam.

It found one in five HR (human resource) leaders plans to hire in the fourth quarter.

“It’s a great time to look for a new opportunity,” said Lara Dodo, regional vice-president at staffing agency Robert Half.

She thinks as the new year approaches, people start to reflect on their careers and hand in resignations.

READ MORE: The #1 reason employees quit and 6 factors that fuel their happiness

Those positions will need to be filled.

For roles like receptionists and executive assistants, holiday back-fill may be needed as staff book final vacation days of the year (especially at companies that have “use it or lose it” policies).

“Some [opportunities] are just for a day or two, sometimes it turns into a full-time position,” said Dodo.

“You never know who’s hiring…and where that temporary opportunity may lead you.”

year-end-hiring

If you’ve been hired as a seasonal employee but would like to stay on past the holidays, the best thing you can do is prove your worth.

“Showcase what you bring to the company and your new ideas that can help the business. Make yourself indispensable,” said Boswell of Monster Canada.

“The more the employer sees your value, the more likely they will be to find a way to keep you on after the seasonal rush has passed.”

Of course telling the manager you’d like to remain with the company helps too.

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