Are Seasonal Jobs Worth It? Tips for Seasonal Employees
Thinking about seasonal employment? If so, you probably have a lot of questions. Is it actually worth it? How do you make the most of your time? Can you quit early if it's not for you? Seasonal jobs are a great way to make some extra money, gain work experience, or just get out of the house during the holiday season or in the summertime. In this blog post, we'll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of seasonal jobs, as well as give you some tips on how to make the most of your time as a seasonal employee.
What Does Seasonal Employment Mean?
Seasonal employment is defined as a job that is only available for a short period of time and often recurs year after year. Seasonal positions may become available due to a busy season (such as a retail associate during the holiday season or an accountant during tax season) or due to the climate (such as a landscaper, lifeguard, or camp counselor during the summer). Hiring managers may also employ temporary employees to cover for full-time employees who are on vacation or leave during these busy periods. Seasonal jobs are usually temporary, but there is always the possibility that you could get your foot in the door or make a new professional connection that will lead to a full-time job.
How Do You Find Seasonal Work?
If you're interested in a seasonal contract, start looking early! Many employers hiring seasonal employees begin interviewing job seekers a few months in advance, so don't wait to put in your application. Your job search should include job boards, company websites, and your personal network. Look for postings in store windows or on community boards. Use keywords in your online searches, such as “seasonal,” “temporary,” or “holiday.” Many companies rely on recruiters to help them fill their seasonal needs, so reach out to a temp staffing agency and ask if they’re hiring for any seasonal roles.
What Should You Know Before Looking for a Seasonal Job?
Before you start your job search, take time to figure out what you're looking for. What type of job are you interested in, and what work do you not want to do? What days and hours are you available? Do you want a full-time or a part-time job? Are you only interested in a seasonal employer in your career field? Keep in mind that seasonal jobs may last longer than you expect. For example, retailers often have after-holiday sales and may require seasonal help for a few weeks after the actual holiday has passed. Determine your availability ahead of time so you know if you can commit to the entire time period. Identifying your needs and preferences will help you focus your job search.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Doing a Seasonal Job?
Like any type of job, working as a seasonal employee has its pros and cons. There are many benefits to seasonal jobs, including:
Extra Money: Seasonal work is a great way to earn some extra cash. Whether you're saving up, paying off debt, or just need some extra spending money, a seasonal job can help you reach your financial goals.
No Long-Term Commitment: Seasonal jobs are typically temporary, so you're not tied down to one job or employer for a long period of time. This can be a good option if you're not sure what you want to do or if you're just looking to earn a fast paycheck.
Flexible Schedule: While not every employer will be able to accommodate your scheduling needs, seasonal jobs can be more flexible than other full-time or part-time jobs. If you have a second job, school, or other commitments, some employers will be willing to work around your availability as long as they have adequate coverage.
Gain Experience and Learn New Skills: If you're new to the workforce or looking to change careers, seasonal jobs can help you build your work history and learn transferrable skills, which could help you get your next full-time position.
Make Professional Connections: Seasonal employment is a great way to network and build professional relationships. This not only includes your employer, but your coworkers as well, who may be able to provide career advice or help you get a foot in the door with a great company. These connections can lead to opportunities or even a permanent role down the road, so make the most of your time to network.
Some cons of seasonal jobs to consider are:
They're Temporary: The obvious downside of seasonal work is that it's not permanent and will usually only last a few weeks or months. Additionally, temporary workers often do not receive benefits that regular employees are eligible for, such as employer-paid health insurance. If you're looking for stability and long-term opportunities, a seasonal job may not be the right fit.
They Can Be Demanding: Seasonal employees may need to deal with frazzled holiday shoppers, a hefty workload, or long hours on their feet. Depending on the type of seasonal job you get, you may receive little training, and the work could be demanding physically or mentally.
They May Be Low-Paying or Require Long Hours: Some jobs with few qualifications or experience requirements may be minimum-wage positions. Seasonal roles may also require working long hours, weekends, and holidays, which could leave you with little free time if you have a second full-time job. Although some businesses with enough seasonal staff or non-seasonal employees may be able to accommodate part-time or flexible scheduling needs, ultimately they need seasonal workers who will be reliable and able to work the required schedule.
Is It Worth Working a Seasonal Job?
The answer to this question depends on your personal circumstances and what you're looking to get out of a seasonal job. If your goal is to earn some extra cash without making a long-term commitment, a seasonal job may be a great fit. If you're new to the workforce or looking for work after an employment gap, this can be a great resume builder that will demonstrate your work ethic and help you develop transferable skills such as customer service, communication, organization, teamwork, and time management. Additionally, you will have opportunities to network and make connections, which can bring long-term career benefits.
On the other hand, if you're seeking a position that will offer stability, benefits, or growth potential, this type of work may not be what you're looking for (although it can provide some income while you continue to look for a full-time position). You may not receive high pay, benefits, or extensive training. Additionally, you will need to be able to commit to the required schedule, which can include late nights, weekends, or holidays. Consider whether you are able or willing to meet scheduling requirements and whether this type of work fits your needs before pursuing a seasonal role.
What Are Some Tips for Seasonal Workers?
Be Professional: Just because a seasonal job is temporary doesn't mean you shouldn't take it seriously. Even if you're only there for an employee discount and some holiday cash, any job has the potential to benefit your career—if you choose to make the most of it. You're also making a commitment to your employer, who is counting on you to help their business succeed. Don't approach seasonal work as if you can come and go as you please, no-call/no-show, or put in the bare minimum of effort to avoid being fired.
Put Your Best Foot Forward: Be on time, dress appropriately, and be respectful to customers and coworkers. If you want to impress potential professional connections and get the maximum benefit from the position, you'll need to make a good impression on your employer and coworkers. If you are reliable and do well, you may be able to line up the job again for next year, and there's always the possibility that an outstanding seasonal employee may become a full-time employee if the employer has open jobs available.
Be Flexible: If you want to impress the employer and potentially get your foot in the door, try to be flexible whenever possible. Scheduling can be a headache for employers who hire seasonal employees, and someone who is both flexible and reliable will be sure to impress them. If you are able to cover for other employees who call out or can pick up a shift on short notice, you'll not only increase your paycheck, but will likely become the hiring manager's first call when they have a temporary role later in the year, or even a permanent job.
Get to Know Your Co-Workers: Your supervisors, other temporary workers, and full-time employees can all be a great resource for career advice or leads to help you find your dream job.
Make the Most of Your Time: Make use of every opportunity you have to learn a new skill or network. Even if the job isn't in your desired field, there is always the potential to learn new things and develop skills that can be transferred to other positions.
Keep Track of Your Accomplishments: As with any position, keep track of your accomplishments, key responsibilities, and any equipment or software you learn to use. Don't forget to update your resume with all the great experience you've gained.
Stay Positive: Seasonal jobs can be demanding, both physically and mentally. They may also require working long hours, weekends, or holidays. Even if the job is challenging, stay positive and try to enjoy the experience and the people you work with. If the position isn't a good fit, remember that it is only temporary!
Keep in Touch: After the season is over, don't forget to stay in touch with the people you've met. Whether it's a potential employer or someone you met while networking, they could be valuable connections for finding full-time work.
Can You Quit Your Seasonal Job if It's Not for You?
At-will employment means that you have the right to quit a job at any time, whether it's seasonal, temporary, or permanent. While it's never ideal to leave an employer in the lurch, you shouldn't stay in a position that makes you feel miserable or unsafe either.
If you've only been on the job for a short time and it's not working out, speak with your manager or supervisor to see if you can come up with a solution that works for both parties. If that isn't an option, it may be best to move on. However, you should always quit in a professional manner and try to give your employer as much notice as possible. This is a sign of respect and professionalism, and it will make it easier to get a reference or letter of recommendation if you need one in the future.
Always communicate with your employer—don't just stop showing up or send a text two hours after you were supposed to be there. This kind of unprofessional behavior is disrespectful to both the employer and your coworkers, and it will likely destroy any potential professional connections with them. Is it worth burning a bridge to avoid a conversation?
Should You Put Your Seasonal Job on Your Resume?
Seasonal jobs can absolutely be put on your resume. They can provide valuable experience, showcase certain skills, and demonstrate your work ethic. If you are returning to work after a career gap, are a student, or are a recent graduate, these jobs can be excellent ways to add recent experience to your resume and show your skills are up-to-date and you are ready to work.
When adding your seasonal job to your resume, be sure to include your accomplishments, relevant skills, responsibilities, and any software, systems, or equipment you used. Demonstrate what you have accomplished in the role and how it has helped you develop as a professional.
Clearly state that the position was a temporary, seasonal job next to the job title or company name so the length of the position doesn't raise any red flags. If a seasonal position isn't relevant to your career goals, consider reformatting your resume. Instead of listing your work history in chronological order, have separate sections for experience relevant to your field and other, less-applicable experience. For example, if you are pursuing an IT career, highlight your IT experience by grouping it together and list your seasonal positions or other non-IT jobs in the additional work history section.
Can a Seasonal Job Become Permanent?
Some employers do use temporary and seasonal roles as a trial employment period. If you excel in your role and demonstrate that you are a valuable asset to the company, you may be offered a position when the season is over if the employer has a full-time opening. If you're interested in staying on, be sure to communicate this to your supervisor or manager so they are aware. However, seasonal jobs are temporary by nature, and some employers do not have open positions regardless of how well seasonal employees perform. You should not expect these jobs to lead to permanent positions, but don't discount the possibility.
If you hope to work for the employer in the future, put your best foot forward by showing professionalism, taking initiative, and building positive relationships with your colleagues. Keep in mind that there are no guarantees the company can or will offer a permanent position, so don't be discouraged if you don't get an offer at the end of the season. Maintain the professional relationships you've built and offer to help during their next busy season. If the company has an opening in the future, these relationships can give you an advantage over your competition.
Consider Whether a Seasonal Job Is Right for You
Seasonal jobs are a great way to learn new skills, network, make additional income, or just get out of the house. For those with little experience or who are returning to work after a career gap, these roles can be excellent ways to add recent experience to your resume and show your skills are up-to-date. If you put in your best effort and take advantage of the opportunities that come your way, you can make the most of this time to further your career.
Article Author:
Ashley Meyer
Divisional Business Coordinator
Albany, NY