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• By Pretha Yasmin
• May 15, 2024
• 4 mins read

The Complete Guide to Hiring Seasonal Employees

Hiring is a top concern for every business no matter the size. Whether you run a ski lodge, a beachfront souvenir shop, or any other seasonal business, finding the right employees during peak times is essential. Seasonal staff play a crucial role in meeting customer demand during specific periods, such as holidays, summer vacations, or other seasonal spikes.  

Your business needs high-quality staff for its busiest times, but only during part of the year. So how can you connect with qualified candidates without offering year-round work to everyone, and without breaking the bank? Here’s a guide on how to hire seasonal employees: 

Be Proactive About Seasonal Hires 

When it comes to seasonal hiring, planning ahead is crucial. Don’t put off hiring to take care of other needs. Indeed pointed out that staff must not only be hired but trained by the time your busy season starts. Starting the process early helps you put good workers in every position you need filled. Waiting until the last minute can lead to rushed decisions and workforce gaps. Begin your recruitment efforts two to three months before you need to fill the seasonal roles. For example, summer resorts could start in February or March to close all hires by May.   

Be specific about requirements, work schedules, and compensation. Highlight necessary certifications and physical demands. For instance, if you’re hiring lifeguards, mention any relevant certifications and the need for physical stamina. 

Leverage Existing Resources and Networks 

When it comes to seasonal hiring, tapping into existing resources and networks can be highly effective. Reach out to past seasonal workers who performed well. They already know your business and can quickly fill key roles. Consider contacting former full-time employees who left on good terms. 

If you hired trustworthy seasonal employees in the past, see if they want to return. This strategy can help you quickly fill in key roles with workers who already know the ins and outs of your business. You can even get in touch with prior full-time staff who left on good terms, as Business Know-How suggested. 

Depending on where your busy season falls on the calendar, you may be able to tap into local sources of available workers. High schools and colleges are full of students who have time off during set periods each year. Post job openings in school-approved locations or connect with administrators for referrals. You might want to reach out to current employees to ask if they have family or close friends who they think would be a good fit. Just remember to make it clear that a referral isn’t a guarantee of a job. If you know other local business owners who employ seasonal staff on an opposite schedule to yours, you can even get in touch with them about sharing job information. 

Point Out the Benefits of the Position 

When advertising seasonal positions, focus on the perks to attract top talent. Highlight the benefits of the job when you put together your ad for hiring seasonal employees. Emphasize the advantages that come along with working for you along with descriptions of the necessary duties and desired skills. 

If your seasonal work offers competitive pay compared to similar roles, emphasize it. Mention any special perks or discounts available to staff. If high-performing seasonal staff can transition to full-time positions, make that clear. Consider offering season-ending bonuses and maintaining communication early to encourage their return next year.  

Hiring seasonal staff and scaling up operations for the most active weeks and months often requires additional cash. QuickBridge can help seasonal small businesses just like yours secure funding to make the most of their busiest times of the year. To learn more, get in touch with our team today.