How to Plan for Seasonal Hiring

Summer’s most certainly not over yet but I know there are some talent teams out there that are already planning for the hiring that will be needed for the winter holiday season that is just around the corner.

When the weather cools - we know the hiring heats up for certain industries (looking at you retail and logistics) so we'll explore essential tips for that time of the year again ... .seasonal hiring time. 

1. Write a Job Description Tailored to Seasonal Workers

A well-defined job description is the first step in attracting the right candidates for seasonal positions. 

• Be specific about the job duration, responsibilities, and required skills. 
• Use relevant keywords like “temporary” or “seasonal” while highlighting the potential benefits, such as gaining experience, flexible hours, or employee discounts.
• Be transparent about the period of employment, ensuring candidates understand the commitment required. 

2. Hire Early with Great Onboarding

Start your seasonal hiring process early to secure the best talent ahead of the busy season (why do you think I’m writing this now?) Seasonal employees likely submit applications to numerous companies and it may be more difficult to find talent late in the season. 

• Utilize recruitment platforms and job boards that specifically cater to seasonal positions.
• Have an efficient screening process to identify candidates who possess the necessary skills and availability for the job.
• A streamlined onboarding process is crucial, providing seasonal workers with the tools and training they need to hit the ground running.

3. Re-Engage Your Talent Pool

Maintaining a talent pool of previous seasonal workers who performed well can be a valuable asset for future hiring needs. They are already familiar with the company culture and operations, reducing the time required for training. Offering competitive incentives or benefits for returning employees can enhance their motivation to work with the company again.

4. Utilize Your Employee Referral Program

Employee referrals can be a powerful engine during your seasonal hiring. Encourage your existing employees to refer friends, family, or contacts who might be interested in seasonal positions. To motivate employees to participate actively in the referral program, consider offering additional seasonal incentives or temporary boosted reward amounts. 

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