Even with signs of a broader labor market slowdown, companies are ramping up their search for seasonal workers as the holidays approach. A recent report from career platform Monster shows that demand for short-term help is rising fast — and so is interest from job seekers.
According to Monster career expert Vicki Salemi, many employers begin boosting their holiday hiring as early as October to ensure they have enough time to train new staff. At the same time, lots of workers start thinking about how to bring in extra income during the holiday season.
And this year, that interest has surged: The number of people searching for seasonal roles on Monster tripled from September to October and then doubled again going into November, Salemi says.
Where Seasonal Hiring Is Growing
Retail remains a major driver of seasonal work, especially in the months leading up to Christmas when shopping, shipping, and e-commerce activity spike. Although retail hiring overall may be slowing this year, companies are still filling sales roles as well as logistics and transportation jobs, such as:
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Delivery drivers
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Warehouse workers
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Materials handlers
But Salemi encourages workers to think beyond the obvious. Tax accountants, for example, are in high demand as tax season quickly approaches, even though the role isn’t traditionally linked with the holidays. Beauty consultants also see a jump in opportunities as people seek help prepping for festive events and year-end celebrations.
Top 10 Seasonal Jobs Hiring Right Now
Based on Monster’s analysis of thousands of December job postings, these roles are currently seeing the biggest demand:
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Delivery driver
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Warehouse worker
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Beauty consultant
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Customer service representative
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Materials handler
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Tax accountant
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Technical specialist
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Retail sales specialist
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Sales representative
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Photographer
How to Land a Seasonal Job Now
It’s not too late to jump into the seasonal job market. Before applying, Salemi recommends updating your resume to mirror the job description. “Look at the job, then compare it to your resume, and ask yourself, where’s the overlap?” she says.
Scheduling is also key. Seasonal work can be intense, so it’s important to understand what hours you can realistically commit to without burning out.
For those hoping to break into a new industry, seasonal jobs can be a powerful stepping stone. Performing well in a short-term role can lead to longer-term opportunities — and employers often look to hire standout seasonal workers full-time. Companies especially value enthusiasm, reliability, and a strong work ethic.
Seasonal Work Can Build Long-Term Connections
Beyond the paycheck, seasonal jobs offer valuable networking opportunities. Salemi encourages workers to connect with colleagues across departments: “Ask people, ‘Can I take you out for coffee? I’m curious about what your marketing department does.”
Even after the temporary job ends, the relationships you build can continue — and may open doors long after the holiday rush is over.