The coronavirus pandemic caused tens of millions of Americans to lose their jobs as the economy takes a massive hit while the creeping cold weather could cause restaurants and other businesses to operate partially, laying off employees in the process.
The pandemic has not been the only problem that most residents have been suffering from this year. However, several companies are still accepting employment applications during the holiday season that residents could take advantage of.
Online delivery giant Amazon is in need of an additional workforce during the holiday season and is looking to hire people in the Bay Area. The need was created with the increased demand amid the coronavirus pandemic, with most residents staying indoors and ordering their necessities online.
The company is looking for temporary retail associates, warehouse staff, and other positions. Most jobs have a starting wage of $16 per hour, and Amazon is opening its doors to Berkeley, Walnut Creek, San Jose, and other areas in the state.
The U.S. Postal Service is looking to hire about 1,000 employees for the holiday season in the Bay Area, San Francisco, and San Jose. Residents who are wary of constantly going out could apply for the mail processing assistance or holiday clerk positions; however, letter carrier roles are also open.
The company is also offering long-term positions such as tractor-trailer and/or motor vehicle operators and mail handler assistants. Wages vary between job positions and range between $16.55 to over $20 per hour.
Whole Foods is another company providing opportunities for people having difficulties during the coronavirus pandemic. The grocery chain is looking to fill 1,000 vacancies, both seasonal part-time and full-time employees, this coming holiday season.
Interested applicants can choose positions between in-store shoppers, cashiers, or provide in-store support. The minimum wage starts at $15 per hour and could be higher depending on the area. The company is also giving flexible work hours and will provide a 20% in-store discount to its employees, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
In Rohnert Park, Walmart is advertising job vacancies for both full-time and part-time positions. The company is offering jobs in its fuel station, auto care center, and other departments.
Throughout Sonoma County, FedEx is opening vacancies, including service associates, drivers, and package handlers. The delivery company is hiring more than 350 positions for the holidays at its Oakland facility. Interested applicants could expect minimum wage with a chance for a raise.
Target is opening positions in several cities, including Santa Rosa, Novato, and San Rafael. About 6,000 slots would be open for the public amid the holiday season in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose. The positions would be distributed through different stores and centers across the region, The Press Democrat reported.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused massive economic damages in California that forced multiple businesses and establishments to either lay off workers or completely shut down. Across the state, analysts observed a drop of 18% in job postings as of October 23. The numbers represent the 14th highest decline in Californian history.
Several cities have seen sharp reductions in vacancies, such as Hawaii, with a 43% drop from last year, San Jose with 30.9%, and San Francisco seeing 31.7%.
However, experts believe that despite the losses, state officials are working on supporting companies to allow them to hire more employees and assist residents amid the health crisis. San Jose Inside released statistics that showed four companies could potentially bring about 6,535 full-time jobs and acquire over $400 million in investments.
The financial investments are a result of the California Competes Tax Credit Committee’s acquisition of $80 million worth of tax credits, the Biz Journals reported.
