Why Background Checks Are Important for Seasonal Hiring During Black Friday
Wondering why background checks are important for seasonal hiring during Black Friday? Fall is the time of year when most people seeking seasonal employment hit the job boards. So you might be seeing a dramatic increase in applicants this time of year.
Black Friday kind of “kicks off” the holiday season. It’s the time of year when people shop the most and companies make short-term hires to cover the extra workload. But just because you are filling short-term positions doesn’t mean you should sacrifice discretion.
Your employees represent your company. At a time when people are shopping the most and on a short deadline, it’s especially vital that you put your best foot forward to keep up with the competition. That is why background checks are important for seasonal hiring during Black Friday.
Why People Seek Seasonal Employment
There are many factors that motivate people to apply for seasonal employment. While seasonal positions are declining, applicant interest is increasing. According to Fox TV Stations, “U.S. retailers are expected to add 520,000 new jobs in the final quarter of this year compared to 564,200 in 2023,” and even more individuals will be applying for these jobs. Here’s why:
Extra Money
First, and obviously, job seekers are interested in making extra money. Whether they seek seasonal work as their only employment or as a supplement to other income, for some, the holiday season can be a slower period, particularly for students on break or those in industries with a natural winter lull. Seasonal work provides a way to stay busy and productive. The holidays present an array of extra expenses, and seasonal work offers higher pay rates, opportunities for overtime, and even employee discounts in some cases.
Due to increased demand, some retailers and companies offer higher-than-average pay rates or bonuses for seasonal positions around Black Friday, making it more financially attractive to take on temporary work. And with the increased volume of shoppers during Black Friday and the holiday season, many companies offer opportunities for overtime, allowing workers to increase their earnings significantly during this period. Many seasonal retail positions come with employee discounts, which can be particularly appealing during the holiday shopping period, allowing employees to purchase gifts or other items at a reduced price.
Flexible Hours
Seasonal positions also often offer part-time or flexible hours, making them ideal for people who may not be looking for a full-time commitment or who need to balance other responsibilities, such as school or another job. Seasonal jobs are temporary, too, often lasting just a few weeks or months. This makes them appealing to those who want a short-term commitment without a long-term obligation.
Low-Commitment Workforce Experience
Furthermore, for individuals with limited work experience or those entering the workforce for the first time, seasonal jobs are a way to gain experience, build a resume, and develop skills, especially in customer service, sales, or logistics. It is also an opportunity for job seekers to “test” a company before seeking or committing to a permanent position.
Who Is Seeking Seasonal Employment
Job seekers’ interest in seasonal work is increasing for a number of practical reasons. But who make up these job seekers?
Full-Time, Gig, and Freelance Workers
Seasonal workers could be people who already have full-time and/or permanent work. They may take on seasonal work to supplement their income, especially if they want to save for specific goals, such as holiday expenses, travel, or paying off debt. And people who are accustomed to working short-term gigs, such as freelancers or independent contractors, may look for seasonal jobs to fill gaps between other projects. Seasonal positions can offer them temporary stability.
Students and Young Adults Entering the Workforce
Seasonal work is also a popular route for students and other young people. High school and college students frequently seek seasonal work during school breaks or holidays. These jobs provide them with a way to earn money while school is not in session, and they often offer flexible hours that can accommodate a student’s schedule.
Many young adults, particularly those not ready to commit to a long-term career, seek seasonal jobs to explore different types of work and discover what they enjoy. This also allows them to gain valuable life experience in a relatively low-risk environment. Individuals new to the job market, such as recent graduates, may look for seasonal work to gain experience, enhance their resumes, or develop specific skills that could help them secure long-term employment later on.
Retirees
Retirees sometimes look for seasonal work to stay active, earn additional income, or engage with their communities. Seasonal jobs offer a temporary commitment, which is appealing for those who don’t want full-time employment but still want to work occasionally.
Stay-at-Home Parents
Stay-at-home parents particularly benefit from the temporary nature of seasonal work. Parents who primarily stay at home may look for seasonal work while their children are in school or during the busy holiday period when temporary work is available. These jobs offer a way to earn money without a long-term employment commitment.
Unemployed, Underemployed, and Individuals Between Jobs
Unemployed, underemployed, and those between jobs benefit from this burst in increased hiring. People who are currently unemployed or working fewer hours than they’d like often seek seasonal work to increase their income and gain experience. This can also be a strategy to potentially transition into a permanent position if the opportunity arises.
Those who are in between jobs may pursue seasonal work as a temporary option while they look for permanent employment. Seasonal positions provide a way to earn income and avoid gaps in employment history.
Travelers and Nomads
Finally, there are people who intentionally rely on seasonal or temp work. People who enjoy a nomadic or travel-oriented lifestyle may look for seasonal work, especially in industries like tourism, retail, agriculture, or hospitality. These jobs can offer opportunities to work in different places throughout the year.
People from a variety of backgrounds seek seasonal work, often because it suits their specific needs, schedules, or goals. This is why background checks are important: you want to know who your applicants are and that they are being honest about their work experience, motivations, and employment goals.
Risks Associated with Hiring Seasonal Workers
Hiring seasonal workers can be beneficial for companies, but it also comes with several risks and challenges.
First is high turnover and inconsistent availability. Seasonal workers may not be as committed as full-time employees, leading to high turnover rates. They might quit unexpectedly, leaving companies short-staffed during peak periods. Additionally, their availability may change if they find other employment or personal circumstances shift.
Second, you might have limited time to train seasonal workers, which can result in lower levels of competence or efficiency. This rushed training can lead to mistakes, lower quality of service, or operational inefficiencies that could impact customer satisfaction. This is another reason why background checks are important. You want to be able to verify previous work history and relevant experience to compensate for rushed training.
You also risk lower engagement and motivation which can have a direct impact on customer service. Seasonal workers might not feel as invested in the company’s long-term goals since they are only working temporarily. This lack of engagement can lead to lower morale, poor performance, or reduced effort compared to permanent employees which can negatively affect the customer experience.
Finally, the temporary nature of seasonal work means companies might hire workers they don’t know well, increasing the risk of theft, fraud, or other security issues. Therefore, do not use time constraints as an excuse not to conduct proper vetting and background checks.
By understanding these risks, you can implement better hiring practices, training, and management strategies to mitigate potential problems associated with seasonal employment. This includes making background checks a priority. The safety and reputation of your business depends on it.
Why Background Checks Are Important for Seasonal Hiring During Black Friday
Now that you know the scope of seasonal employment from Black Friday through the new year, hopefully you understand why background checks are important. With more applicants than jobs, there is no reason why employers should not be diligent and selective when it comes to seasonal hiring.
And, conducting background checks is easy! Searchbug’s Background Report API allows you to obtain a complete background report with data from public, civil, and criminal records year round, regardless of the hiring season. Searchbug accounts with restricted access can also see SSN info, driver’s licenses, employers, employment history, business associations, and other restricted information. Check out Searchbug’s background and criminal records check solutions today!
