PHOENIX — Unemployment claims in Arizona have skyrocketed from the last week of September to the first week of October with more than double the amount of people filing.
The holiday season usually brings about the gift of employment with companies adding staff to keep up with demand. Of course, this year, everything looks different.
"With the coronavirus, there are... is a very interesting trend that we're seeing," said Hitendra Chaturvedi, a professor at Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business.
Chaturvedi explained, our job market is seeing a 'K-type' recovery, which means, while some industries are thriving, others are plummeting.
"Companies like Netflix are doing much better... streaming online," Chaturvedi said. "While the movie theaters are doing pretty bad... home improvement is doing much better, but hospitality, travel, and tourism are not doing well."
This, as Chaturvedi said, there had been a slow decrease of seasonal employment since 2013 after it peaked in the United States at around 800,000 positions.
"So, the trend was going down already," Chaturvedi said. Then, the pandemic made it all worse.
Chaturvedi expects there to be far less openings up for grabs this season. He anticipates somewhere near 400,000 jobs.
To be successful, and see that short-term gig become permanent, he suggests going after those industries that are on the upward climb of the 'K-curve'.
Examples could be Amazon, DHL, UPS, technology-based industries, warehouse positions, online distribution, etc.
"At this moment, my recommendation would be to get in, give your best," Chaturvedi said. "Who knows? You may like it. Maybe you may love it! From a hospitality industry, you may decide that... you were born to be a warehouse manager. Who knows?"
If you are interested in applying for a position with Amazon, click here.
If you are interested in applying for a position with UPS, click here.
If you are interested in applying for a position with Carvana, click here.
If you are interested in applying for a position with Macy's, click here.
If you are interested in applying for a position at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's, click here.
