Employers’ hiring plans are heating up for the summer, according to the summer hiring forecast from CareerBuilder.co.uk. Almost 4 in 10 (39 per cent) plan to hire seasonal workers for the summer, and 81 per cent of those employers will be considering summer staff for permanent positions.
“Although the jobs recovery has been slow, our findings show ample opportunities for those looking for seasonal work,” said Scott Helmes, Managing Director at CareerBuilder UK. “Seasonal work can be a great gateway to long-term employment. Not only are many employers open to bringing summer hires on for permanent positions, but seasonal work is also an excellent way to gain new skills and experience and connect with people who could be great references later on.”
The nationwide survey was conducted online on behalf of CareerBuilder.uk of more than 400 employers to get a pulse on their seasonal hiring plans. Findings from the survey also reveal advice for job seekers hoping to transition from seasonal workers to long-term employees.
Hot Areas for Summer Hiring
The most popular positions for seasonal jobs include customer service (36 per cent) and office support (32 per cent). Other popular positions for which employers will be hiring include:
- Information technology: 29 per cent
- Engineering: 19 per cent
- Construction/painting: 18 per cent
- Manufacturing: 17 per cent
- Hospitality/leisure: 18 per cent
- Sales: 28 per cent
- Research: 17 per cent
- Restaurant/food service: 13 per cent
Tips for Turning a Summer Job into a Permanent Position
Scott Helmes added “With a little initiative, a lot of hard work and some outstanding effort, workers may be able to turn their seasonal job into a permanent one. Our research shows that almost half of employers thought that seasonal workers being proactive in asking for more responsibility or work and by making an effort to fit in would increase their chances of securing a permanent role.”
Helmes offered the following tips for increasing your chances of securing a permanent role:
- Proactively ask people if they need help
- Show up to work early or stay late
- Dress professionally
- Let the hiring manager know up front that you want a permanent job
- Don’t be afraid to offer up ideas