SEASONAL WORK: What It Is, Types, and How to Find one

Employees who work primarily in seasonal positions may find themselves unemployed when a job’s season comes to an end because seasonal work typically occurs only during a specific time of the year. However, knowing how seasonal unemployment and target jobs work can help you prepare for the timeframe of a seasonal job and plan for what to do when a seasonal opportunity ends. We’ll go over the process for finding seasonal work while unemployed, as well as the most sought-after seasonal positions at Target.

What is Seasonal Work?

Seasonal work is short-term work that occurs at the same time each year. Employers with a cyclical customer base often supplement their year-round staff with temporary seasonal workers. This will help them to handle the influx of business during peak seasons. Other seasonal jobs are related to the weather, which influences shopping trends and employment requirements. Snowplow companies, for example, only need drivers in the winter when there is snow, and pools only need lifeguards in the summer.

Seasonal work may be chosen for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons is to supplement one’s income. For example, a person with a part-time job may choose seasonal work to supplement their income. Some college or high school students may also choose seasonal work because it often coincides with their time off from school. Seasonal work is an excellent way to supplement your income without committing to a full-time position.

What Does It Mean if Your Work Is Seasonal?

Temporary work that is needed just during specific times of the year is called seasonal work. For example, seasonal businesses like ski resorts are only operational for a portion of the year.

When do I Apply for Seasonal Work?

In most cases, you can begin your search for seasonal employment prior to the start of the season. For example, if you want to work in the winter, you should start looking for work in the fall. You can also apply for a seasonal job at the start of, or even during, the season. Some employees may leave mid-season, which can result in new openings throughout the duration of a company’s temporary employment needs.

Can I Work as Seasonal for a Month?

Yes, seasonal workers can only work six months.

Is It Good to Have Seasonal Job?

Seasonal labor has several advantages. Seasonal jobs can assist develop a résumé, especially if you have minimal work experience or gaps.

Seasonal Works And Industries

Seasonal work comes in many forms, and many industries hire temporary workers during the off-season. So it’s easy for people with a wide range of interests and skills to find work. Here are some seasonal industries:

#1. Tourism

During the summer, resorts and other nearby areas with beaches, beautiful scenery, and other popular summer attractions often see the majority of their visitors. For instance, seasonal waiters, hosts, and cooks are in high demand at hotels and restaurants in tropical regions. Seasonal sports such as surfing or ice skating can also be taught in popular areas depending on the season. Some locations, for example, have more visitors in the winter due to snow sports and winter scenery chances.

#2. Retail

Many stores bring on seasonal workers every year between the months of October and March. This is to accommodate the influx of holiday shoppers. Customers who want to decorate their homes for Halloween and buy costumes and candy for their children, for example, may visit a Halloween-related store in the fall. Another example is Black Friday, a winter shopping holiday that is one of the busiest of the year.

You could apply for jobs such as store manager, cashier, shelf stocker, or gift wrapper. You could also work as a ghost hunter or as one of Santa’s elves. If you prefer to work during the summer, look for jobs near summer attractions such as amusement parks or stores that focus on summer equipment or merchandise

#3. Temporary

There are numerous opportunities for temporary jobs in a variety of fields within the temp market, with many position openings related to the needs of businesses. During tax season, for example, an accounting firm may require additional assistance. Some temporary agencies also look for temporary workers for seasonal clients.

#4. Delivery of Food or Packages

During the holiday season, some businesses require more assistance with delivery services. People frequently place orders online rather than in person to avoid crowds or to spend more time with their families. There may be a seasonal uptick in the demand for delivery workers as a result of the rise in online holiday shopping.

#5. Construction

Construction is another industry that frequently employs temporary or seasonal workers. In regions where summers are particularly hot or wet, construction companies see a spike in business between the months of April and October. Colder locations frequently require more heating contractors, so the demand for these employees may increase during the winter months.

What is Seasonal Unemployment?

Seasonal unemployment occurs when workers in seasonal jobs become unemployed when the demand for labor falls. This usually happens when a season ends or a new one begins. For example, someone who works at a resort during the summer may find themselves unemployed once the fall arrives and the summer facilities close.

Seasonal unemployment is common in tourist areas, as different tourist attractions may close or slow their operations depending on the time of year and season. This is especially true for outdoor tourist attractions, which may only be open during certain weather conditions.

How Does Seasonal Unemployment Work?

Seasonal unemployment works by ensuring that the number of available jobs corresponds to an organization’s need for employees at different times of the year. This means that a company may require a greater number of employees during certain seasons than during others, which can result in seasonal unemployment when the more lucrative season ends. Seasonal unemployment affects workers whose jobs are tied to a specific time of year or event. They must find new work.

Some people respond to seasonal unemployment by switching to a new seasonal job every time the season changes. This allows them to continue with seasonal work and find work quickly.

Advantages of Seasonal Work Unemployment

One of the most obvious advantages of seasonal employment is that it is usually predictable. Employees who are likely to experience seasonal unemployment are aware that their jobs are temporary and may even have an idea of when they will end, which can help them prepare to look for work when necessary. Seasonal unemployment only occurs when a season ends or when seasonal help isn’t needed, so there’s often a clear time when seasonal jobs might start up again.

Knowing when a season ends can also tell candidates when another season begins, which can help seasonal employees plan their job searches. Someone who works at a Halloween store in the fall may find themselves unemployed when the holiday season is over, but they know that winter is just around the corner, so they can start looking for a seasonal job that coincides with the winter season or a winter holiday.

Disadvantages of Seasonal Work Unemployment

Having a job for six months out of the year is preferable to not having a job at all. Workers in tourist areas can compensate for the seasonal nature of their jobs by saving during the tourist season and working other part-time jobs during the off-season. However, for those on a low income, managing consumption over a year can be difficult if employment is irregular.

While income may only be available for a few months of the year, bills and rent must be paid every month. Areas of the country with high seasonal unemployment may become unappealing, and local workers may leave in search of more stable employment elsewhere. It is dependent on labor flexibility. Particular regions with high seasonal demand may try to find ways to encourage temporary migration, such as student jobs during peak summer seasons.

How Long Is a Seasonal Contract?

Most seasonal occupations last two to three months. This gives the business enough workers to meet demand, and when demand drops, the seasonal staff’s contracts finish.

Seasonal Work at Target and Holiday Jobs.

Target hires temporary workers in order to manage the influx of customers at its 1,900 stores during the holiday shopping season (late October through early January). You can expect to work about 20 hours per week as a seasonal employee, though this will vary based on the needs of the store or warehouse where you find work. Target employees, including seasonal workers, are paid a minimum of $15 per hour in all 50 states.

Target hires temporary warehouse workers in addition to seasonal in-store positions. Warehouse pay starts at $18.71 per hour, with a $500 signing bonus.

The hiring process and seasonal work at Target are both fast-paced. It can take up to 48 hours from application to interview! So you could apply for one of these holiday jobs to make extra year-end cash.

Popular Holiday Seasonal Work Opening at Target

Target seasonal in-store jobs. In all states, seasonal store jobs pay $15 per hour.

Front-of-Store Attendant – Greets and directs customers, as well as collects carts.
Beauty Consultant – Works in the cosmetics department and assists customers with sales.
Style Consultant – Assists with sizes and general styling advice in the women’s, men’s, or children’s departments.
Inbound Expert – Accepts shipments at loading docks, verifies paperwork, and unloads products.
Guest advocates – Guest advocates work as cashiers and customer service representatives on the front lines, processing returns.
General Merchandise Expert – Assists customers and keeps displays neatly stocked on the main floor.
Fulfillment Specialist – Fills customer pickup orders.
Food and Beverage Expert – The food and beverage expert is on hand in the grocery area to direct customers to products and ensure shelves are stocked.
Starbucks Barista – Prepares and serves coffee in accordance with Starbucks specifications (training provided).
Food Service Expert – Takes customer orders, prepares food, and delivers orders in stores with an in-house restaurant.

Seasonal Warehouse Jobs at Target

Seasonal warehouse jobs start at $18.71 an hour, with the possibility of a $500 signing bonus!

Packer-Check Merchandise for quality, ticket-specific merchandise with a handgun, and complete paperwork.
Warehouse Worker – Receive and process freight, manage inventory, and load and ship merchandise to stores.

Is a Seasonal Job Worth It?

It’s a resume-building exercise. If you’re fresh out of college or struggling to fill out your resume, a seasonal job is an excellent way to demonstrate additional job experience. Alternatively, if you want to change industries but have no experience, adding a seasonal job can help bridge the gap.

How Flexible Is Target With Hours?

Very adaptable. You can take any number of days off as long as you request them well in advance.

Can I Work Only Weekends at Target?

Seasonal work at target will make you work weekends because it is a retail store and they require weekend hours unless you are higher up.

Conclusion

A seasonal job can provide exciting opportunities to work in unique settings and perform job duties that correspond to a specific time of year. Because there are more jobs available around the holidays, seasonal unemployment is often higher. Seasonal unemployment may be a major issue in tourist areas because work is only available for a few months of the year. However, you can plan ahead of time to get a job at the right time and avoid the detriments of seasonal unemployment.