Cerina Byrd was able to go from seasonal employment to a full time position
This month, United Way community project MatchBridge kicks off its second annual Seasonal Job Fair series. Top retailers – including Best Buy, TJ Maxx, Gap, Old Navy, and several others – will partner with MatchBridge to meet their hiring needs for the holiday season.
MatchBridge members, who are youth between the ages of 16 and 21, will have an opportunity to meet with the employers and apply for these retail job opportunities. As many as 25-50 young people will be hired during what is traditionally the busiest time for these stores.
Between 25% and 50% of total annual retail sales take place during the holidays, and retail employers usually increase their workforce by 4% or more just for the holiday gift-buying rush.
These positions tend to be a great fit for younger workers, since many are home for the holidays from college, so the time-commitment is a perfect fit. Young people also bring great energy to these retailers, which is essential during the busy holiday season. Many retailers value the Seasonal Job Fair because it connects employers to pre-screened candidates, who are qualified and well-equipped to take advantage of these opportunities.
Some of these retail opportunities can lead to much bigger things. Two years ago Cerina Byrd, a MatchBridge member, connected with Macy’s during a Seasonal Job Fair. She has since graduated from the MatchBridge program and is now a full-time recruiter for the downtown Macy’s human resources department and has been thriving there for the past two years.
