In September, job seekers eagerly looked for a seasonal retail job, with applications up 15% from September 2023 and up 70% from September 2022 , according to iCIMS’ Oct. 21 report.
Candidates tended to want a part-time job, with 72% saying they’d prefer it over full-time seasonal work.
However, job openings didn’t quite meet candidate demand. Full-time seasonal job openings were up 5% from September 2023, and part-time openings were only 1% higher than last year.
How job pursuits vary by demographic
Younger generations made up a large part of the applicant pool, the report found, with Generation Z workers forming the largest pool of retail and transportation applicants. Less than 10% were over age 54.
U.S. students between the ages of 18 and 44 are taking on temporary jobs due to financial pressures and the need for flexibility, according to an Indeed Flex report. More than 40% said they’re drawn to retail work, which could help employers fill talent gaps during upcoming seasonal fluctuations.
Per iCIMS, Part-time seasonal work seemed particularly important for women, with 79% saying they’d prefer a part-time position, compared to 65% of men.
Candidates cited several motivations for seeking a seasonal job:
- Competitive pay as a top driver (67%)
- A pleasant work environment (53%)
- Employee discounts (50%)
Still, workers expressed concerns about inconsistent hours/scheduling conflicts, inadequate compensation, and high stress levels.
The big picture of holiday hiring
“All eyes continue to focus on the labor market, with iCIMS data showing overall job openings at a higher level than last September, with applications holding steady and hires down,” Rhea Moss, global head of workforce and customer insights at iCIMS, said in a statement.
“Yet, key industries impacting the holiday shopping experience show job seeker demand far outweighing openings and hires,” she said. “To give shoppers the service they’ve come to expect, employers must have their staffing in place.”