Holiday hiring surge: Where to find seasonal jobs
As the holiday shopping season approaches, major companies are ramping up hiring to prepare for increased consumer demand. Seasonal positions offer job seekers an opportunity to earn extra income, gain work experience or potentially find a path toward longer-term employment.
ABC News correspondent Elizabeth Schulze highlights the seasonal hiring push as retailers and other businesses prepare for one of the busiest times of the year.
Retailers and Delivery Companies Prepare for the Holidays
The holiday season typically brings increased demand for workers across retail stores, warehouses, shipping operations and customer service departments. Businesses often need additional staff to help customers, process orders, package merchandise and ensure gifts arrive on time.
Retailers may hire seasonal sales associates, cashiers, stockroom workers and customer service representatives. Logistics and delivery companies also commonly add warehouse workers, package handlers and delivery support staff to manage the increase in online shopping.
Restaurants, grocery stores and hospitality businesses may offer additional opportunities as families gather for celebrations and holiday travel increases.
Major Companies Hiring for the 2026 Holiday Season
Several companies have announced plans to bring on additional workers ahead of the holiday rush.
Amazon: Plans to hire more than 300,000 seasonal, part-time and full-time workers across the United States to support fulfillment, sorting and delivery operations.
UPS: Plans to hire approximately 100,000 seasonal employees to help manage increased package volumes.
Michaels: Is recruiting more than 10,000 seasonal employees for its arts and crafts stores across the United States and Canada.
Macy's: Is recruiting seasonal workers for its Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury stores, along with select distribution and fulfillment centers.
Available positions and hiring plans may vary by location, so applicants should check each company's current career listings for openings in their area.
Tips for Finding a Seasonal Job
Career experts recommend starting the search early, as many employers begin recruiting well before Thanksgiving. Applicants who are flexible about their schedules and willing to work evenings, weekends or peak shopping days may find more opportunities.
Job seekers can improve their chances by preparing an updated résumé, applying to several suitable positions and checking company career pages regularly. Some employers also offer temporary roles that may lead to permanent employment, depending on business needs and individual performance.
Before accepting an offer, applicants should confirm the hourly pay, expected schedule, job duration and whether benefits are available.
Seasonal Work Offers More Than Extra Income
For many people, a holiday job can help cover seasonal expenses, build new skills or provide an entry point into a company. Students, people seeking supplemental income and workers interested in exploring a new industry may all benefit from considering temporary positions.
Although some major retailers are limiting seasonal recruitment or relying more heavily on existing staff, recent job-posting data suggests opportunities remain across retail, warehousing, customer service and other industries.
With the holiday shopping season approaching, job seekers who search broadly and apply promptly may be better positioned to find a role that fits their needs.
Source: GMA

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