8 Best Tips for Finding Holiday Work — A Lift Utah Guide

The holidays bring more than cheer — they bring opportunity. 🎁Many Utah businesses hire extra help during the busy season, and these short-term jobs can be a great way to earn extra income, build experience, or even open doors to long-term work.

At Lift Utah Foundation, we want to help you take advantage of every opportunity. Here are our top eight tips for finding (and keeping!) the right holiday job this season.

🎯 1. Start Early

Seasonal hiring often begins as early as October. Retailers, delivery companies, and event venues all fill positions fast — so start applying now. The sooner you begin, the more options you’ll have.

💼 2. Update Your Resume

Even for temporary roles, a polished resume helps you stand out. Highlight your customer service, teamwork, or time management skills. If you’ve worked holiday jobs before, mention how you handled busy or fast-paced environments.

💬 3. Ask Around Locally

Many smaller Utah businesses — local shops, cafes, and nonprofits — hire extra staff but don’t post online. Stop by in person, bring your resume, and ask if they’re hiring for the season. A friendly introduction can go a long way.

💻 4. Search Online Job Boards

Check sites like Indeed, Snagajob, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn, or visit Lift Utah’s local partner pages for postings in retail, warehouse, and hospitality. Filter by “seasonal,” “temporary,” or “holiday” to narrow your results.

🚚 5. Consider Gig or Delivery Work

The holiday season boosts demand for delivery drivers, grocery shoppers, and rideshare services. Companies like Amazon, DoorDash, and Instacart offer flexible schedules that can fit around family commitments or another job.

🕒 6. Be Flexible With Hours

Employers love candidates who can work evenings, weekends, or last-minute shifts. Flexibility increases your chances of getting hired — and may lead to more hours or a permanent position after the holidays.

🤝 7. Bring a Positive Attitude

Holiday work can be busy and sometimes stressful, but a kind, calm, and positive attitude stands out. Employers often remember cheerful seasonal workers when full-time openings come up later.

🌟 8. Stay Connected After the Season

When the season ends, thank your employer and coworkers. Ask if they expect to hire again or if they can provide a reference. Building these relationships can lead to future opportunities — sometimes even year-round positions.

💬 The Lift Utah Difference

At Lift Utah Foundation, we know that every job — even a short-term one — can help build skills, confidence, and stability.We offer career readiness workshops, resume support, and education programs to help you move from seasonal work to long-term success.

Visit LiftUtah.org to explore job training and education opportunities that can lift your career beyond the holidays.