Though job postings may be slightly up, worker interest has surged. That means job seekers will have a more difficult time finding seasonal employment this year. In addition, economic uncertainty is expected to affect staffing levels in some areas, and more companies are not announcing their hiring goals for the upcoming holiday season.
With an extra supply of candidates during this hiring season, employers will have more choices and likely more higher-end job talent to choose from. Seasonal job seekers are also trending older, with the applicant pool of ages 18-24 dropping but the pool from ages 35-44 rising over last year.
Online retail giant Amazon leads the way in seasonal hirings, with plans to hire 250,000 employees during the holiday season. Seasonal employees with Amazon earn over $19 an hour on average. Other major companies that will be hiring include Bath and Body Works (30,000 associates), Michaels (10,000 positions), the United States Postal Service (USPS), Geodis (4,600), Aldi, UPS (100,000-plus on average), 1-800 Flowers (estimated 2,000-4,000), FedEx, and Wal-Mart.
Dick’s Sporting Goods plans to hire 14,000 seasonal employees, and that number includes other brands such as Foot Locker and Champs. Catalyst Brands, the parent company of six retail stores, is hiring 13,000 seasonal positions. Other major companies with plans to hire seasonal employees but have not announced how many jobs are available include Kohl’s, Target, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s.
If you or someone you know is seeking employment, check out Illinois Job Link to search for career opportunities in your area and field of interest. Currently over 68,000 active jobs are listed throughout the state across a wide variety of industries.
Need help creating an account on IllinoisJobLink.com so you can search for a job? Curious about programs that provide training funded by the government? Have you ever considered applying to a Registered Apprenticeship program? Dedicated professionals at the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) are ready to assist you. Click HERE to make an appointment for in-person services at an IDES American Jobs Center near you.