Tips and tricks for landing a Macy's seasonal job

Macy’s is one of the most well-known department stores in America. The retailer offers a wide variety of products, from clothing and accessories to home goods and electronics. Macy’s also offers many seasonal jobs, which can be an excellent way to gain experience in the retail industry and possibly lead to a full-time job with the company. This guide will provide an overview of Macy’s seasonal jobs, including popular positions, how to apply for them, and the benefits and perks of working for this retailer.

What is Macy’s?

Macy’s is one of the oldest department store chains in the U.S. The company was founded in 1858 by Rowland Hussey Macy and today operates over 500 stores nationwide. Macy’s is known for its wide range of merchandise, from clothes and accessories to home decor and electronics. The store also offers many services, such as personal shopping, tailoring, and gift registry creation. Once a dry goods-only store based in New York City, Macy’s has evolved into a major retailer that employs over 88,000 people. Macy’s is also known for its famous holiday celebrations, such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This event began in 1924 and features giant, helium-filled character balloons, floats, marching bands, and celebrity performers. The Fourth of July Fireworks Show, which has been held annually since 1977, is another popular Macy’s celebration. The customer-centric culture Macy’s employs has helped the retailer grow its massive customer base. Macy’s offers a memorable shopping experience with exclusive products and services you can’t find at other stores. In addition to the Macy’s name, the Macy’s corporation operates the Bloomingdale’s and Bluemercury chains.

What is a seasonal job?

A seasonal job is a temporary position typically available during busy times of the year, such as summer or the holiday season. Seasonal jobs can be found in numerous industries, from retail and customer service to hospitality and tourism. Many seasonal jobs offer the same benefits as full-time positions, such as competitive pay, discounts, and paid time off. Seasonal jobs are a great way to gain experience in your desired field. At Macy’s, seasonal jobs are typically available in the lead-up to the holiday season to cover Christmas and Thanksgiving. These positions are usually customer-facing, such as sales associate or holiday helper; some, however, focus on supply chain locations. Macy’s seasonal jobs generally last between two and three months, though some roles may lead to permanent positions depending on business needs. Seasonal employees at Macy’s can take advantage of the centralized hiring process, which works to connect candidates with the positions they’re best suited for. Macy’s has a thorough training program to ensure seasonal staff are equipped with the understanding and skills needed to excel in their roles. For those with prior retail experience, you can use your retail skills to land a new seasonal job. Any experience is valuable, even if it’s not in customer service or retail.

Popular Macy’s seasonal positions

There are many career opportunities available at Macy’s, both seasonal and permanent. However, seasonal roles can vary depending on each store’s needs. Some of the most popular seasonal positions include:

Sales associate

This customer-facing role is responsible for providing outstanding service by helping customers find the perfect products and ringing up purchases. Sales associates may also handle returns and exchanges and promote Macy’s sales and events. To land a seasonal sales associate role at Macy’s, you should have strong people skills and a passion for customer service. Prior experience in retail or customer service is helpful but not always necessary for a seasonal role.

Cashier

Cashiers are responsible for handling transactions quickly and efficiently, as well as bagging purchases and dealing with returns. This is a fast-paced role, especially during the holiday season, so being able to stay calm under pressure is key. Working as a cashier typically requires basic math and money-handling skills. Previous experience is only sometimes necessary, as Macy’s provides basic training for all its seasonal employees.

Stock associate

A stock associate’s main responsibility is to help keep the sales floor well-stocked with merchandise. This role can involve unloading shipments, stocking shelves, and organizing products. Stock associates may also be responsible for cleaning the sales floor or back room. Stock associates strive to maintain a neat and organized sales floor, which requires attention to detail and a strong sense of organization. Some physical labor is often required in this role, as stock associates may need to lift and carry heavy boxes or products. These are just some of the many seasonal positions available at Macy’s. No matter what role you’re looking for, a Macy’s seasonal job offers the opportunity to learn new skills. There are numerous ways to find a seasonal job, from the official company website to the Jobcase job board. You can find a wide selection of Macy’s seasonal jobs, including customer service associate and stock associate roles, on Jobcase.

Skills needed for a Macy’s seasonal job

While most seasonal roles are a great choice for those with limited experience or just starting out in the retail industry, there are a variety of skills that will help you stand out and succeed in your job search.

Interpersonal skills

One of the most important skills for a Macy’s seasonal job is interacting with customers and providing an exceptional customer experience. This includes handling sometimes difficult situations, such as returns or exchanges, in a professional and courteous manner. You can acquire interpersonal skills in numerous ways, such as through customer service training or prior experience working with the public. If you don’t have any professional experience, consider any volunteer work or responsibilities you’ve held that required excellent customer service.

Leadership skills

Another helpful skill for a Macy’s seasonal job is leadership. This can involve taking charge when needed, such as during a busy sales event, or simply being able to work well with other team members. You can develop your leadership skills in many ways, such as through on-the-job training, volunteering, or participating in extracurricular activities. If you have any previous leadership experience, be sure to highlight it on your resume or application.

Organizational skills

With a fast-paced environment and numerous customers to serve, Macy’s seasonal jobs require excellent organizational skills. This covers everything from keeping track of numerous tasks at once to stocking shelves efficiently. One advantage of organizational skills is that they can be developed through practice and experience. If you have yet to gain professional experience, you can always focus on developing your organizational skills in your personal life. For instance, you could keep a daily planner, volunteer, or take on additional responsibilities at home. No matter what role you’re applying for, having some of these skills will help you stand out from other applicants. Macy’s plans to hire more than 41,000 seasonal workers this season, so be sure to take some time to find the perfect role for you.

Perks and benefits of a Macy’s seasonal job

Most people are aware of the basic perks that come with a seasonal job, such as extra income and flexible hours. However, several other benefits make Macy’s seasonal jobs a great choice for many people. Let’s look at these benefits in detail.

Merchandise discount

One of the best advantages of working at Macy’s is the merchandise discount. Employees receive up to 20% off most items in the store, which can lead to significant savings over time. Receiving a discount on merchandise is a great perk for those who love to shop.

Possibility of securing regular employment

Many people view a seasonal job as a way to get in the door and eventually secure regular employment. Macy’s sometimes offers regular, part-time, or full-time roles to those who perform well in their seasonal positions. Those who want a career in retail but need to gain experience can use a Macy’s seasonal job to get started in the industry.

Flexible scheduling

Another benefit of Macy’s seasonal jobs is the flexible scheduling. This can be a great option for students or those with other commitments. Macy’s uses the “My Day, My Way” scheduling format, which has several options for weekly hours and allows employees to control their shifts.

Good for resume experience

A Macy’s seasonal job is also a terrific way to build on your resume by gaining valuable retail experience. Retail is a fast-paced environment, so experience working in this type of setting can benefit your future career.

Find a seasonal job at Macy’s today

Macy’s is a great option if you’re ready to land a seasonal job. Not only will you receive a competitive salary and flexible hours, but you’ll also get a 20% discount on most merchandise. Use the Getting Hired Resource Center to help you with your job search. This is a great place to begin if you’re looking for more information on how to find and apply for seasonal jobs.