Thousands of Seasonal Jobs Now Available to Arizona Job Seekers
Employers have opened their doors to new hires in anticipation of what they expect to be a good holiday season. Arizona employers are currently recruiting for more than 1,000 seasonal jobs. If you are considering a new career, hoping to build your résumé, or are interested in simply adding to your financial reserves during this costly time of year, a seasonal job can be the answer.
Think you have what it takes to brave the tenacious crowds during a Black Friday sale? Kohl’s, JCPenney, Nike and Sears are hoping to fill hundreds of open seasonal positions for stores throughout the state. If retail isn’t your forte, there are plenty of other options listed on the Arizona Job Connection website. Companies like Volt Information Sciences and Staples are looking for seasonal warehouse employees. Whole Foods is hiring seasonal dishwashers, and Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club is recruiting for seasonal food and beverage servers.
If landing a permanent job is your ultimate goal, a temporary seasonal position can be your foot in the door. Dressing professionally, arriving to work on time (or a few minutes early), working quickly and efficiently can help you stand out to your employer. It also helps to mention you have interest in staying on full-time so your employer can keep you in mind should opportunities become available. Many employers prefer to hire full-time employees who’ve shown they can do the job during the seasonal stint. They’ve been trained, know the company, have experience, and possibly a good rapport with other staff which sets them apart from outside job-seekers. A seasonal job can also help you add the experience that employers seek.
“The positions usually run from four to five months, which gives the employer time to evaluate the applicant’s work ethic and observe if they fit the culture of the company,” explains DES Division of Employment and Rehabilitation Services (DERS) Business Services Representative Cheryl Kaufman. “Some of the companies such as the Postal Service will call back the same applicants for their yearly hiring events.”
“These jobs are attractive to high school students, college students, stay-at-home moms, or anyone looking for part-time or extra cash for the holidays,” said Kaufman. “There is usually an increase in requests from security companies for special events such as Black Friday.”
If it’s a change in career you seek, a holiday gig can not only add to your resumé, but also allow you to test out a new vocation before you take that big step of leaving your current role.
Not sure where to start? ARIZONA@WORK locations throughout the state are hosting seasonal hiring fairs. Hiring employers will be on-site to interview job seekers, so bring your resumé, and dress professionally. ARIZONA@WORK staff can help you prepare beforehand by reviewing interview techniques and helping you create a professional resumé.
Upcoming Hiring Events:
- October 18, 10 a.m. - 1p.m., Seasonal Jobs Recruitment Fair at Ocotillo Library, 102 W. Southern Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85041
- October 19, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., Tucson Homeless Youth Job Fair at Goodwill Metro, 300 N. 4th Ave., Tucson, AZ 85705
- October 24, 9 a.m.- 12 p.m. Seasonal Jobs Recruitment Fair at ARIZONA@WORK West Phoenix Office, 3406 N. 51st Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85031
- October 31, Seasonal Jobs Recruitment Fair at ARIZONA@WORK North Phoenix Office, 9801 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85020
Follow ARIZONA@WORK on Twitter and Facebook to hear about more job fairs coming to your city.