What a seasonal job is
A seasonal job is a temporary position that lasts for a busy period, often a few weeks to a few months. You're a regular employee during that time, paid through payroll like any other worker.
The main hiring seasons
The holiday season
Retail stores, warehouses and delivery companies handle far more orders from late fall through the holidays and the return period in January. This is the biggest seasonal hiring period of the year.
Summer
Tourism, hospitality, landscaping, camps and outdoor recreation hire more people in summer, often with roles suited to students.
When to apply
Employers usually start hiring well before the busy period begins, so that people are trained in time. For holiday jobs, that often means late summer or early fall. Applying early gives you more choice of shifts and locations.
What's different about seasonal work
- Training is short. You'll learn on the job quickly.
- Schedules can be intense. Expect busy shifts, and possibly overtime, nights and weekends.
- Pay and extras vary. Some employers offer higher rates or bonuses during peak weeks. Check the posting.
- There's an end date. The posting should say roughly how long the job lasts.
Turning a seasonal job into a permanent one
Many employers keep some seasonal workers once the season ends. Show up on time, be flexible with shifts and tell your manager early that you're interested in staying on.
Tip: a seasonal job at a large employer can make later applications there easier, because you already know the work and the team knows you.
Written by the JobNook Hub editorial team. We write practical, plain-language guides for hourly job seekers and check facts against official sources. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
