Recent annual report released by Snagajob indicates that seasonal job availability is at its peak in the study’s five year history.

The increase in seasonal hiring is directly correlated to the strong sales expectation this year. Snagajob reports that in comparing the hiring managers who expect their sales to be better than last year vw. those who expect sales to be worse, the survey shows a net score of +20, indicating an expected sales increase. Last year, positive sales were expected, but only by a +7 margin.

Signs of Returning to Post-Recession Levels

Further signals of holiday season hiring returning to post-recession levels: Hiring managers are expecting to do more temporary hiring than they did in 2007 – a season during which they each recalled hiring 5.6 hourly, seasonal workers. By contrast, this year’s number is 6.1 hourly, seasonal workers.

Retailers nationwide are increasing their seasonal hiring. Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc., an outplacement firm, estimates retailers will hire about 700,000 temporary holiday workers, up from 660,000 last year.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Monday that it will hire more than 50,000 seasonal employees and give some existing employees the chance to work more hours in the next few months. Target Corp. also plans on increasing its seasonal hiring. The big box retailer stated last week that it plans to hire 80,000 to 90,000 workers.

Temporary to Permanent?

Snagajob survey reports that nearly half of seasonal workers (49%) are expected to be full-time hires, the highest level recorded in the five-year survey. On top of those numbers, hiring managers expect that 50% of their seasonal hires this year will be able to stay on after the holidays and take a permanent job.

No Time To Waste

For staffing and recruiting agencies, this is your time to pounce. Seasonal hiring is up, giving plenty of opportunities to develop new client relationships and making new placements. However, you must act fast. Companies have already started hiring to add the extra staff they need to get through the busy holiday season. Snagajob reports that 57% of companies plan on completing their hiring by the end of October, up from 46% last year.

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flickr photo credit: Stephen the Photofan

Megan Curth is the Marketing Coordinator of Automated Business Designs, Inc., software developer of Ultra-Staff staffing software for the staffing and direct hire industry. Ultra-Staff is a staffing software business solution with components for front office, back office and the web. Megan’s email address is megan.curth@abd.net or for more information on Ultra-Staff go to www.abd.net.