The holidays are approaching, and you may be wondering – how long do seasonal jobs at Amazon last? If you‘re looking for temporary work over the busy shopping months to earn extra income, Amazon hires thousands of seasonal employees between October and January.
I know you want to learn more about the duration of these roles and what positions are available so you can decide if an Amazon seasonal gig is right for you. As a fellow consumer and seasonal job seeker, I researched this in-depth and want to provide the full picture.
In this detailed guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about Amazon seasonal jobs, including:
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Exactly how long seasonal positions last
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The types of seasonal roles and requirements
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When you can apply
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If seasonal workers get hired permanently
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Tips to land these in-demand jobs
Let‘s dive in!
How Many Months Do Amazon Seasonal Jobs Typically Last?
Most Amazon seasonal jobs last between 3 to 6 months on average. The duration depends on the specific role and location.
While some roles are shorter term during the peak of holiday madness, others will have you working an entire quarter or half of the year during the busy sales season spanning Thanksgiving to New Year‘s and beyond.
Here are the typical durations:
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Warehouse associates: 3 months (October-December)
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Delivery drivers: 1-2 months (November-December)
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Customer service: 4-6 months (October-January/February)
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Office/corporate roles: 3-6 months
For example, if you get hired in mid-October for a seasonal warehouse position, you would likely work through mid or late January, for a total of about 3 months.
Seasonal delivery drivers may only work November through December during the three weeks leading up to Christmas. Meanwhile, customer support reps could start in October but remain until February.
Some roles like HR, finance and inventory management may have longer 6 month terms spanning the fall and winter peak, including the returns and post-holiday rush.
The key is that the duration can vary, so be sure to check the expected start and anticipated end dates in the job posting. But plan for most seasonal gigs at Amazon to last between 3 to 6 months.
What Types of Seasonal Jobs Does Amazon Offer?
Amazon hires seasonal employees for virtually every area of their operations. Tens of thousands of temporary roles open up in the fall across their facilities.
Some of the major categories of seasonal jobs at Amazon include:
Warehouse Associates
These roles make up the bulk of Amazon‘s seasonal hiring. Associates work inside the enormous fulfillment and sortation centers picking, packing, shipping, unloading, and inventorying customer orders. It‘s fast-paced manual work that keeps Amazon deliveries moving.
Requirements:
- 18+ years old
- High school diploma
- Able to frequently lift up to 49 lbs
- Stand/walk for 10-12 hour shifts
- Pass background check
Duration: October-December (approximately 3 months)
Pay: $15 per hour or higher based on location
Delivery Drivers
Drivers play a crucial role delivering packages to customers‘ doorsteps, especially during peak demand. Both Amazon‘s in-house delivery network and contracted service partners hire seasonal drivers.
Requirements:
- Valid driver‘s license and insurance
- 21+ years old
- Clean driving record
- Background check
- Flexible schedule
Duration: November-December (approximately 1-2 months)
Pay: $18 or more per hour + tips
Customer Service Associates
These associates provide support to customers via phone, email, chat, and social media. Some positions are virtual, allowing remote work. Fluency in languages besides English may be helpful.
Requirements:
- High school diploma
- Clear communication skills
- Customer service experience preferred
- Tech savvy
Duration: October-January/February (approximately 4-6 months)
Pay: $15 per hour or higher
IT Support Technicians
IT staffers help set up systems for new hires and provide technical support to employees. Virtual/remote opportunities are available.
Requirements:
- Associate‘s degree in IT, computer science or related field
- 1+ years help desk support experience
- Technical troubleshooting skills
- Security protocols knowledge
Duration: 3-6 months
Pay: $22/hour and up based on experience
And Amazon hires for many other seasonal roles like HR assistants, data analysts, financial clerks, inventory counters, marketing assistants, and more. Check their site for all openings.
Here is a comparison of some key types of jobs:
| Job Type | Duration | Location | Pay Range | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warehouse Associate | 3 months | Fulfillment centers | $15-18/hour | 18+, lift up to 49 lbs, stand for shifts |
| Delivery Driver | 1-2 months | On road | $18+/hour + tips | Valid license, 21+, clean record |
| Customer Service | 4-6 months | Virtual or office | $15-20/hour | Clear communication, customer service skills |
| IT Support | 3-6 months | Virtual/office | $22+/hour | Associates, 1+ years help desk |
| Inventory Counter | 3-6 months | Fulfillment centers | $17/hour | Counting, data entry |
| HR Assistant | 3-6 months | Corporate office | $20/hour | Organized, customer service skills |
When Does Amazon Begin Hiring For Seasonal Roles?
Amazon typically ramps up seasonal hiring beginning in August and September, leading up to the holiday rush. However, some roles may start postings even earlier than that.
Here is an overview of the typical seasonal hiring timeline:
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July – August: Earliest job postings, especially for fulfillment center positions. Planning begins.
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September – October: Peak hiring months when the bulk of seasonal roles are posted. Applications accelerate.
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Early November: Final push to fill remaining seasonal openings across all areas like customer service, HR, delivery.
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Mid-November to December: Last minute hiring for unexpectedly high demand. Limited roles.
Some tips based on this timeline:
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Watch for early postings – New warehouse job ads pop up as early as July/August so don‘t wait too long!
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Apply early – September/October is peak season for applications. Submit yours early for best selection.
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November hires – Still options in early November but late openings are tougher to land.
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Late/December: Less choice – These very late seasonal roles have limited options.
If you want your choice of location/role, I‘d advise applying anywhere from late summer through October. But keep checking back for new postings through early winter.
Who Can Apply for Amazon Seasonal Work?
The great news is Amazon welcomes diverse seasonal staff, whether you‘re looking for extra income during school, returning to the workforce post-kids, want to gain skills between jobs, or supplement retirement.
Some tips on eligibility:
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18+ years old – All Amazon employees must be 18+. Most roles don‘t require any prior job experience.
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Able to provide identification & work authorization – You‘ll need to prove you can legally work in the country.
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Pass background check – Amazon conducts criminal background checks on applicants. Minor offenses are potentially allowed.
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Drug screening – You must pass a pre-employment drug test with negative results.
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Physical demands – Most warehouse roles require you to be on your feet for 10-12 hour shifts and lift up to 49 pounds.
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High school education – For most positions, you‘ll need a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Higher education may be required for some corporate functions.
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Interview – You must pass an interview screening process for seasonal roles. Come prepared to demonstrate your skills.
Overall the barriers to entry are low, so it‘s absolutely worth applying if you meet these basic criteria! Show your motivation and capability to excel.
What Are My Chances of Getting Converted to a Regular Employee?
This is one of the best parts of Amazon seasonal jobs – you might be converted to regular, ongoing employment!
Your chances of getting hired permanently vary, but conversion rates average:
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Fulfillment centers: Up to 50% retention rates when performance expectations are met
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Delivery drivers: retention varies but high performers can get permanent delivery routes
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Customer service: Approximately 33% conversion rate for standout agents
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Corporate offices: Around 20-30% conversion rates depending on business needs
To maximize your chances:
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Maintain excellent attendance – Missing work hurts your chances of staying on.
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Meet productivity rates – Fulfill daily performance goals for your role.
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Ask about extension early – Speak to your manager about permanent opportunities a month or so into your seasonal role.
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Say "yes" to extra training – Getting cross-trained makes you more versatile.
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Avoid disciplinary issues – Follow all protocols to stay in good standing.
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Display great teamwork – Amazon values collaboration and willingness to take on new tasks.
With preparation and consistent performance, seasonal workers can turn into long-term roles at Amazon!
FAQ About Getting an Amazon Seasonal Position
Here are some quick answers to common questions on seeking Amazon seasonal roles:
How early should I apply?
Start looking and applying as soon as you see openings posted – sometimes as early as July! Definitely apply by October.
Do the jobs require relevant experience?
Most entry-level warehouse and driving roles do not require related experience. But you should highlight any customer service, retail, inventory, food service or delivery experience you have.
What happens after I apply?
If your application is approved, you may be asked to complete an online assessment. Then you‘d interview by phone or in person before receiving an offer.
Should I apply directly on Amazon‘s site?
Yes, go to amazon.jobs and search seasonal opportunities in your area. 3rd party agencies may also recruit workers.
What should I wear for my interview?
Dress professionally in clean, neat attire. For warehouse roles, casual dress is okay but look presentable.
How can I stand out as an applicant?
Emphasize availability, great attendance, strong work ethic, ability to adapt, and interest in growing your career at Amazon.
Get Ready to Apply for an Amazon Seasonal Position
I hope this inside look at the duration, types of jobs, hiring timeline, eligibility, and employment prospects helps you decide if seasonal work at Amazon fits your needs.
With competitive pay, benefits, and paths to regular employment, these temporary roles offer earning potential paired with flexibility.
Here are a few final tips to land your ideal seasonal gig:
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Check Amazon job postings starting early summer
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Make sure you meet the minimum requirements
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Highlight the skills needed for the role
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Emphasize great attendance and work ethic
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Research the interview process and come prepared
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Apply early for the best selection of jobs
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Ask informed questions about permanent status
Wishing you the best of luck with your seasonal job search! Let me know if any other questions come up. I‘m always happy to dig up helpful information for fellow job seekers and Amazon shoppers like yourself.
