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Seasonal jobs may lead to permanent employment

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By KENNETH HALL, Special Sections correspondent

Published: November 25, 2007

Seasonal jobs have become as much of a year-end American holiday tradition as fruitcake, poinsettias and eggnog. Numerous businesses, especially those in the retail and service industries, require additional help to serve the increase in holiday customers just as many people require additional funds to purchase gifts for loved ones.

Seasonal employment generally is available as a full-time or part-time endeavor. That can be an advantage for those who are looking to find either new or permanent employment. For those who are dissatisfied with their employer, part-time seasonal employment can be helpful in landing a more favorable job. For those who are looking to find work, seasonal employment can become a permanent position under the right circumstances.

With so many shoppers with long gift lists to fill, nearly every retail establishment has open positions for the holiday season. Some may require previous retail experience, while others are happy to train those who are friendly and have a helpful attitude. Some stores are willing to offer permanent positions to seasonal employees who prove to be good workers.

"There is the potential for seasonal employees to have a permanent position with Macy's after the holidays, based on the availability of the position and the associate's performance during the holiday season," says Melissa Goff, director of public relations with Macy's Florida.

"During the holiday season, we will be seeking candidates to fill sales positions as well as sales support positions," Goff adds. "Sales support positions encompass gift wrap as well as receiving and processing positions. There are a variety of positions within each store."

Being a very customer-friendly and customer-focused company, Macy's is looking for candidates who are friendly, highly motivated and team oriented to fill the part-time and full-time openings, Goff says. "That's what makes a great Macy's employee."

Goff says that Macy's offers competitive pay, and benefits for seasonal associates include a flexible work schedule and a generous merchandise discount. Those who are interested in applying for an open position with Macy's Florida can fill out an application in the human resources department of the nearest store or apply online at www.macysjobs.com.

"Macy's is a great place to work," Goff says. "We are very team oriented and have a real family environment. That is something that is very evident to our customers."

The retail field is not the only industry in Florida that experiences a marked increase in business during the holiday season. Additional traffic means more openings in the service industry as well, in restaurants, hotels and just about all businesses related to tourism, according to Bob Haber, director of human resources with the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay.

"We have full-time and part-time openings in guest services as well as in the culinary areas," Haber says. "We have openings for cooks, pastry chefs, servers, valets and housekeeping personnel, among others."

Unlike retail businesses, where the holiday season ends with the new year, the hotel and tourism season continues through June, Haber says. Full- and part-time employees of Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay get free uniforms and meals, and full-time employees are offered a wealth of benefits that include medical and dental insurance, free meals, free parking, free uniforms and 12 free nights per year at any Hyatt hotel.

"We prefer that guest services candidates have a customer service background and that those looking for a position in food service have some culinary background," Haber says. "We look for people who are upbeat and are customer-oriented. We can work with an applicant who has any sort of customer service background."

Along with offering better than competitive pay, the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay has flexible work schedules and different shifts available. Seasonal employment can lead to a permanent position with the hotel.

"Hyatt offers great advancement opportunities, and fully 70 percent of the management positions in the organization are filled from within," Haber adds. "Plus employees can transfer to another Hyatt hotel in the U.S. or around the globe."

Those who are interested in applying for a position with Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay can find an application on the hotel's Web site at www.grand
hyatttampabay.com.

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