The holiday season may seem like it’s in the near future, but in reality, for most holiday employers, the season is already in full swing. “The rush for holiday jobs begins this month,” says David Mission, a job consultant in Austin, Texas. “Ideally, employers love having a part-time staff in place, even if it’s just on paper, before November.”

Mission says analysts expect this year’s holiday hiring to be lighter than 2024, mostly due to the projected slow growth of holiday sales – the slowest pace in six years – according to data from Deloitte. According to the report, holiday retail sales are likely to rise between 2.3% and 3.3%, totaling $1.59 trillion, a slight increase from 4.3% to $1.54 trillion last year. The U.S. National Retail Federation projects similar stats on holiday spending – an increase in 2024 winter holiday sales between 2.5% and 3.5%, compared to 2023.

The NRF also forecasts retailers will hire 400,000 to 500,000 seasonal workers in 2024, compared with 509,000 the year before. One-fifth of those jobs will come from Target, which plans to hire 100,000 seasonal workers, according to the retailer.

While some people begin applying for part-time seasonal jobs in late September and early October, mid-October to early November is prime hiring time because most employers have ramped up their recruitment efforts. Many companies will be conducting interviews and onboarding new employees, especially in retail, event coordination and customer services, during this time. If you wait until early November, positions may still be available, but they may be more limited. Employers might hire extra staff to fill in for gaps or handle the final rush. Others will be looking for employees in some niche or high-skill roles, like tax preparers or special holiday event staffers.

Here are some employment options to consider:

Retail sales associate: Retailers often hire additional staff to manage increased customer traffic during the holidays. Responsibilities include assisting customers, stocking shelves, and handling transactions. Companies like Target and Macy’s are known for hiring seasonal retail associates.

Warehouse associate: With the surge in holiday shopping, warehouses need extra hands for tasks like picking, packing, and shipping orders. Amazon and UPS frequently offer such positions during the holiday season.

Event coordinator: The holidays bring numerous events and parties, increasing the demand for event coordinators to manage logistics, decorations and guest services. This role is ideal for those with strong organizational skills.

Gift wrapper: Many retailers offer gift-wrapping services during the holidays and seek individuals skilled in wrapping and decorating packages. This position requires attention to detail and a creative touch.

Tax preparer: As the tax season approaches, preparers are in high demand to assist individuals and businesses with filing. This role suits those with a background in accounting or finance.

Tribune News Service