WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Employers Report Strong Demand for Seasonal Jobs

Employers Report Strong Demand for Seasonal Jobs

     Shelburne, Vermont -- November 23, 2009

     Katrina Clark is applying for a job at the Vermont Teddy Bear Company -- one of many jobs she's applied for since getting laid off in October.
     "I have applied pretty much everywhere I can," she said, "even places that aren't hiring I'm still putting in applications and just trying to find a job."
     The company is hiring 500 seasonal workers to answer phones and fill orders between from now until Christmas. Recruiter Laura Russell says she's seeing more applicants than ever.
     "There's a lot of people who don't want to sit on unemployment, they want to come in and work for a couple weeks, make some extra cash before the holidays to help buy Christmas gifts or just have a little extra money in their pockets until they can find something a little more longterm," Russell said.
     She added that other applicants were simply looking to supplement their income.
     "A lot of people will come in looking for a second job," she said. "They've got a full-time job, they're just looking for nights and weekends, so we tend to get people who are overqualified."
     From retailers looking for holiday help to ski resorts staffing for the winter, seasonal employers have jobs to offer at a time many other employers are cutting back.
     And the jobs are in high demand.
     Bolton Valley has already had a thousand applications for 325 positions. Dave Jacobs started working in the rental shop two weeks ago, tuning skis to get ready for the season.
     "I'm a skier and I really like the perks that come with working on a mountain," he said.
     The resort says in the past, most applicants were skiers who wanted a fun job and the free pass offered to employees. Now, that's changing.
     "We are seeing an increase in people who have a regular full-time, year-round job or maybe are seeing a reduction in that job and are looking for a paycheck as their first priority over and above a fun job at a fun place to work," resort spokesman Josh Arneson said.
     It's a paycheck and possibly a foot in the door for more long-term employment. Vermont Teddy Bear says about a third of its seasonal applicants are hoping for permanent jobs.
     "I'm hoping I can get full-time but seasonal will do," Katrina Clark said. "I need some money. Christmas is coming."

Kate Duffy -- WCAX News