Seasonal Hiring Helps Lower Jobless Rate

Even though permanent full-time jobs are still elusive in today’s recovering economy, more and more major companies are hiring seasonal workers with the advent of the holiday season. For instance, Toys’R’Us recently announced that they will hire 45,000 seasonal workers for the holiday season. Macy’s also announced its plan of employing about 65,000 seasonal workers across the country.

Other businesses also made several new hires like the Minted, an online stationary company. “We’ve hired over 100 seasonal design associates and 18 customer service representatives in our San Francisco headquarters,” said Minted human resources director Loren Rozakos.

The US unemployment rate is currently at 9.6%. In California, it’s more than 12%. Staffing agencies noted that some clients are starting to hire people despite the present economic uncertainties. Lisa Gibello of Robert Half Inc, a large specialized staffing firm, said that there is an increase to this year’s hiring and certainly an uptick from last year. However, Gibello warned the job seekers that the number of jobs will be limited and competition will be fierce. “Job seekers should put their best foot forward. Dress the part, and work a seasonal or contract job as if there’s a potential full time position at the end of it.”