Amazon is gearing up for the 2024 holiday season with a massive recruitment drive, seeking to hire 250,000 full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers across its customer fulfillment and transportation operations in the U.S. With a starting wage of at least $18 per hour for all seasonal employees and potential earnings up to $29 per hour, this initiative reflects Amazon’s effort to meet the high demand during the busiest shopping period of the year.
Amazon’s recruitment strategy for the holiday rush
Amazon is investing $2.2 billion in additional pay for its fulfillment and transportation workers this holiday season. This investment will boost total compensation, including benefits, to over $29 per hour for some employees. While all seasonal workers earn at least $18 per hour. Full-time workers will enjoy comprehensive benefits from day one, which include healthcare, a 401(k) with company match, and access to programs that support career growth, such as Amazon’s Career Choice initiative.
What roles are available?
Amazon’s holiday hires will primarily work in customer fulfillment centers and transportation operations, packing and shipping orders to meet the spike in demand. The company offers a variety of roles, making it an attractive option for those seeking flexible schedules, whether for part-time or full-time employment. Some of the available roles may require working on weekends or during peak hours, particularly as the holiday season intensifies.
Additionally, Amazon’s streamlined hiring process allows applicants to receive a contingent job offer immediately, providing quick entry into the workforce just in time for the busy season.
Comprehensive benefits from day one
Amazon offers a robust benefits package for its full-time and part-time employees. Seasonal hires also gain access to some of these benefits, which are crucial in attracting a large pool of candidates. Key benefits include:
- Health, vision, and dental insurance from the first day of work.
- 401(k) with company match, helping workers save for retirement.
- Paid parental leave, including up to 20 weeks for birth parents and six weeks for eligible supporting parents.
- Amazon’s Resources for Living program, which provides free mental health and financial support to employees and their families.
The perks don’t stop there: Amazon’s “Earned Pay Access” program allows workers to access their wages at any time, making it easier for employees to manage their finances during the holiday season.
Pathways to career growth
About one-third of Amazon’s seasonal workers return year after year, and many of them transition to permanent roles. This pattern is exemplified by an employee who found a long-term career at Amazon, Liv Uribe, currently based out of Washington State. She started in a seasonal role at the PHX5 fulfillment center in 2011 and, after nine promotions, is now a Senior Regional Human Resources Manager.
“The seasonal position allowed me to get my foot in the door at Amazon,” said Liv. “I loved the company and the people I worked with, and saw the opportunities to grow, so I pursued a full-time role after that first holiday season.”
Amazon’s Career Choice program pre-pays tuition for workers seeking to advance their education, whether they continue working at Amazon or pursue careers elsewhere. This is part of Amazon’s broader effort to help employees build long-term careers, even if those careers take them outside the company.
How to apply for Amazon’s holiday jobs
To meet the holiday rush, Amazon has simplified the application process. Interested individuals can visit Amazon’s hiring website or text “NEWJOB” to 31432 to receive updates and apply directly. Applicants can browse various openings across the country, and roles are expected to fill quickly, given the high demand for jobs during the holiday season.
Key requirements for applying:
- Minimum age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Physical fitness: Many roles may require lifting packages, standing for extended periods, and moving quickly to meet fulfillment demands.
- Flexible availability: Since the holiday season requires high efficiency, applicants should expect to work on weekends, holidays, or nights if necessary.
These roles offer job seekers a chance to gain experience and make extra income while exploring long-term employment options at one of the world’s largest e-commerce companies
