Fewer Can Count on Holiday Jobs

Just as more Americans will likely be looking for extra work to boost their incomes, fewer workers will be able to depend on seasonal jobs for extra income this year.

A survey of 1,000 hiring managers found that the average manager expects to hire 3.7 seasonal employees, a full third fewer than they hired last holiday season.

The SnagAJob.com survey found that more than half of managers won't be hiring any seasonal help—a figure that's increased 8 percent this year. Those managers still planning to hire seasonal help will be hiring about 9 employees each—20 percent fewer than last year.

If you are looking for a job, some advice:

• Start applying now. Most employers will start seasonal hiring in October, but many began in August and September.

• Shawn Boyer, CEO of SnagAJob, recommends that job seekers be willing to work flexible schedules.

• Go back to an old employer. You have a major advantage if you've already worked for a company.

• If you can't go back to an old employer, try sticking with an industry you know.

The bad news for those employed at companies that typically hire seasonal help: Most hiring managers are not skimping on extra help because they expect a slow season. Nearly 30 percent don't have the budget for seasonal help, and 50 percent expect their current staff to pick up the slack.