The holiday season creates a wave of hiring across the country. From retail giants to logistics companies and even entertainment venues, employers are looking for extra help to meet the seasonal rush. But where exactly can you find these job openings—and how can you make sure you don’t miss out?
Top Platforms for Seasonal Job Listings
Most holiday temp roles are advertised on platforms that focus on both hourly and temporary positions. If you’re actively job hunting, keep an eye on these resources:
- Indeed – One of the most popular platforms with updated listings during peak hiring months like October through December. Use keywords like “holiday seasonal” or “Christmas temp.”
- Snagajob – Perfect for hourly, part-time, and seasonal roles in retail and hospitality.
- UPS Careers – The company hires thousands for delivery, warehouse, and driver helper positions during the holiday surge.
- Target Careers – One of the biggest seasonal hirers, especially in retail and fulfillment centers.
Tip: Set Up Job Alerts
Don’t wait for the perfect posting to pop up. Set up alerts on these platforms to get notified immediately when a seasonal job that matches your interest becomes available. The faster you apply, the better your chances—many companies start hiring for holiday roles as early as September.
How Much Do Temporary Holiday Jobs Pay?
One of the biggest reasons people jump on holiday job openings is the potential for quick cash. So, how much can you actually expect to earn?
Average Pay Rates by Industry
Holiday temp jobs are often known for offering competitive hourly wages—sometimes even higher than regular roles due to demand. Here’s what you can expect:
- Retail Jobs: $14–$20/hour
Big-box stores like Target or Kohl’s usually offer base pay plus holiday bonuses or store discounts. - Warehouse and Logistics: $18–$26/hour
Amazon, FedEx, and UPS raise wages during peak season, especially for warehouse associates and drivers. - Customer Service: $15–$22/hour
Remote or in-store customer service positions often include overtime during holiday weekends. - Hospitality and Food Services: $13–$19/hour
Think restaurants, cafes, or catering companies ramping up staff for parties and end-of-year events.
Bonuses and Perks You Might Not Expect
Some employers throw in extra perks to attract seasonal workers, like:
- End-of-season bonuses
- Flexible shifts
- Fast-track hiring (some roles don’t require interviews)
- Employee discounts (especially in retail and fashion)
These extras make holiday jobs not just short-term gigs, but great opportunities to maximize income quickly.
Tip: Aim for Night or Weekend Shifts
These usually pay more per hour and are less competitive. If your schedule allows, working peak hours gives you the edge in both pay and visibility for possible long-term employment.
How to Stand Out and Get Hired for Holiday Temp Jobs
Holiday jobs fill fast—and competition is tough. But if you’re prepared and take the right steps, you can stand out and land a spot even before the season kicks off.
Build a Resume That’s Ready for Speed Hiring
Employers want workers who can jump in fast. Here’s what to highlight:
- Availability: Make sure your resume clearly shows you’re available nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Customer-facing experience: Even if it’s not retail, any interaction-heavy job (like call centers or hospitality) is a plus.
- Fast learner: Use action verbs that show adaptability, such as “quickly trained” or “learned systems in days.”
- Teamwork: Most seasonal roles rely on collaborative environments.
If you don’t have a resume yet, try tools like Zety to create a polished one quickly.
Apply Early—and Follow Up
Holiday hiring ramps up earlier than most think. Some stores start interviewing in late August or September.
Once you apply:
- Call the store or manager a few days later. Introduce yourself and show interest—it helps more than you think.
- Visit in person if it’s retail or hospitality. A short, polite visit with your resume in hand can fast-track you.
Use Referrals and Social Networks
Know someone working at a store, warehouse, or restaurant? Ask for a referral. Even a casual mention from an employee can put your application at the top of the pile.
Platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn are also excellent for spotting early openings or connecting directly with hiring managers.
Turn a Temporary Job Into a Long-Term Opportunity
Many holiday workers are surprised to find that their short-term job can become a stepping stone to permanent employment—if they play their cards right.
Show Up, Show Skill, Show Interest
Managers keep an eye on seasonal workers who stand out. Here’s how to make yourself unforgettable in a good way:
- Be reliable – Always show up early and ready.
- Learn quickly – Ask questions, take notes, and improve daily.
- Offer help – Volunteer for extra shifts or different departments.
- Stay positive – A good attitude is just as valuable as experience.
When seasonal roles end, companies often retain top performers—especially if they’re looking to reduce future hiring and training costs.
Ask About Internal Openings
Toward the end of your contract, ask your supervisor directly:
“Are there any upcoming positions I could apply for after the holidays?”
This shows initiative and lets managers know you’re serious about staying. Internal hiring often comes with faster onboarding and better pay.
Quick Ways to Boost Your Skills Before Applying
If you want to improve your chances fast, a short course or online certificate can help. Look for:
- Free retail or warehouse training on Alison
- Customer service basics on Coursera
- Forklift or safety training if applying to warehouse jobs
Even a few hours of free training can be enough to show commitment and make your resume stand out.
Every Shift Counts
Seasonal jobs are a great way to earn fast, build skills, and possibly secure future opportunities. Whether you’re covering holiday bills or looking for a career reboot, temporary holiday work might open more doors than you expect—if you treat it like more than just a temporary gig.
