Increase in Seasonal Hiring for 2014

459959601According to a recent study by CareerBuilder, two in five retailers (43 percent) plan to hire seasonal worker this year, which is an increase from last year’s 39 percent. In other industries, 26 percent plan to hire seasonal employees in Q4, and 42 percent of these companies plan to transition some seasonal staff members into full-time, permanent roles.

When it comes to holiday hiring, staffing firms have a number of variables to take into consideration.

Though seasonal hiring happens mostly in retail and shipping, other industries may have the need to bring on temporary employees through the end of the year. When this does occur, agencies have to realize the opportunities that this will create.

As odd is it may sound, here at Kavaliro we have seen some staffing firms turn down seasonal hiring because of the extra work that it will create (i.e. payroll, new hire documentation). While this may be true for some firms, others may turn this business down because of a few other reasons —  jobs may be too low level, duration may not be long enough, not enough revenue made from these positions.

Typically, holiday hiring will be 1-2 months long and it will be for multiple openings. This is a great chance for a staffing firm to prove it is better than the competition and show a hiring manager it is reliable when in dire need.

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Here are a few ways to look at seasonal hiring in a positive way.

  • A great spike to revenue for the end of year depending on the amount of hires
  • Staffing firms should never think that this is the only business that they will get from the client — they may prove to be a great client in the future
  • The holiday hiring may not just last through the holidays — that 2 month contract may turn into a long term deal. It is very common for temporary engagements to be extended, regardless if it is the holiday season or not
  • Word of Mouth — that one client that you just helped out may go to someone in their network and tell them what you did. This will greatly improve your chances getting an additional client. Your reputation is created by those you serve

With pros there are usually some cons. All the above mentioned possibilities are wonderful but we have to realistic as well. Some of these companies may only need you for the holidays and never call you again. A spike in revenue is great, knowing that it will end soon. That extension may not happen.

Though your firm may be think it’s be beneficial or not, it is a great way to engage potential customers for future business opportunities.

MORE: Don’t be the fruitcake of the interview this holiday season

 

Angel Diaz

Angel Diaz
Angel Diaz is the director of recruiting for Kavaliro, a provider of employment solutions.

Angel Diaz

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