Viscusi on WCBS News today
Talking about seasonal hiring that begins now - 10/26/16

Seasonal Hiring Is Booming — And It Could Be Your Fast Track Back Into the Workforce

As the fall hiring season kicks off, major employers across the country are gearing up to bring on tens of thousands of seasonal workers — and for many, these temporary roles could become the start of something permanent.
At a recent career fair in Midtown Manhattan, hundreds of job seekers turned out looking for their next opportunity. Among them was Yolanda Mayrant, who lost her position running a non-profit for senior citizens after city funding was cut over the summer. Despite the setback, Mayrant remains optimistic about what's ahead.
And for good reason. The numbers this hiring season are significant. Amazon plans to add 120,000 seasonal workers nationwide, UPS is bringing on 95,000, Macy's is hiring 83,000, and Target is looking to fill 70,000 positions.
But as our own Stephen Viscusi explained to CBS2's Dave Carlin, the opportunity goes well beyond the retail floor. "Seasonal hiring is not just related to the retail like some people think," Viscusi said. "It's hospitality, it's healthcare, it's even in administrative areas."
What makes seasonal work especially compelling is the conversion rate. Experts estimate that about half of all seasonal positions eventually turn into permanent roles — making it one of the most effective re-entry strategies available today.

"Whether you're 25 or 55, a seasonal job is your number one way to get back into the workforce today," Viscusi added. It's a particularly relevant message given that the fastest-growing segment of seasonal workers is now people in their 40s and 50s, as the average age of the unemployed continues to rise.
The career fair also drew Julia Anelli, a former small business owner who is now seeking the stability of full-time employment. Her advice for others starting over? Be open to meeting new people and keep pushing forward.
For anyone considering seasonal work this fall, the experts' advice is clear: get out and network, do your research online, and have your applications ready to go before opportunities pass you by.
As seen on CBS2 News New York. Watch the full segment [here].

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