Holiday Hiring On the Rise
By: Matt Leach
Updated: November 15, 2012
GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) Not having a job during the holidays can be tough.
"Right now, I'm looking for just about anything," says Peter Vandenelzen.
Job seekers spend hours combing through job listings at the Wisconsin Job Center in Green Bay, sending applications and hoping for a response, and they aren't very picky. Vandenelzen only has one request.
"Preferably now something inside because it is getting colder," he says.
Seasonal work may be the answer for Peter. One local retailer, Shopko, plans to hire up to 200 employees in the Green Bay area alone over the holidays.
"Our focus is on having enough help in the stores to give our customers the best possible shopping experience, from more teamates on the floor to assist customers and answer questions, speeding up the check out process, and obviously keeping the stores open for extended hours," says Shopko Communications Director Tara Zeller.
The Department of Workforce Development says hiring is up. Most retailers have finished hiring, but there are some, like Shopko and Kohls, that are still bringing people on.
Shipping jobs are still readily available. The DWD says consumers are buying more online, and companies like UPS and FedEx need help to shoulder the load.
Retailers say, job seekers shouldn't shrug off seasonal work.
"It also does frequently turn into a regular full or part time position, so it is a great way to get your foot in the door," says Zeller.
For Peter, it's just about getting back to work, no matter how long.
"I don't necessarily have to have the perfect job right away, just something that keeps me busy," says Vandenelzen.
The Department of Workforce Development says that since the unemployment rate is declining, there is less competition for seasonal work which could increase your chance of getting a job.
