Don’t Stress: Seasonal Hiring Tips

Does your Cincinnati or Dayton business need to hire seasonal employees? These short-term hires make up almost 60 percent of the U.S. workforce, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Don’t get caught understaffed: Get on the right path with our seasonal hiring tips.

Plan Ahead

Don’t wait until the last minute. Job-seekers could be in short supply, or you might end up with candidates who aren’t the best fit for your company. A good rule of thumb is to hire at least two to three months before your busy season. You might plan to hire seasonal staff when new stock comes in or before a certain holiday; just make sure your new hires are willing to work on the holiday.

Put in the Time

Doing your homework first is one of our seasonal hiring tips. Although these short-term employees may not stick around for the long run, you should still devote a substantial chunk of time and effort into hiring them. Update your job descriptions annually. Remember that you are looking for candidates who are flexible and quick to learn so they can be onboarded and ready to go as soon as the season starts. People are more likely to apply for a job if the responsibilities and expectations are spelled out. Use clear language like “seasonal” or “summer” to emphasize that the position is temporary. As a bonus, if you get a good fit, you can hire that person again another year. 

Keep in mind that seasonal workers may choose where to interview based on pay rate. Give serious consideration to how much you can offer, and if you offer more than your competitors, share that information!

Make the Experience Enjoyable

Giving seasonal hires training and onboarding just like a full-time employee is one of our recommended seasonal hiring tips. Keep HR processes the same as permanent hires to avoid confusion or legal mishaps. Encourage seasonal workers to learn from other employees. Offer professional development opportunities, if applicable. Give bonuses or preference for candidates who want to return. Establish a culture of respect between seasonal employees and any permanent staff: A positive work experience will lead to repeat workers and employee referrals.

Use a Staffing Agency

If you’d like to streamline the seasonal hiring process, a staffing agency like PeopleFirst Staffing can take these steps off your plate. The best way to hire seasonal workers is to partner with a trusted staffing agency. We can help you whether you need a large number of temporary employees or just want the convenience of pre-screened hires and outsourced outreach. Pick a reliable agency and stick with it for consistency. This practice also allows the agency to gain a deeper understanding of your needs and culture. 

PeopleFirst Staffing wants to be your guide through the seasonal hiring process. Fill out a job order quote or contact us and let us put our experience to work for you!