Large employers are hiring part-time workers over seasonal ones, Indeed data shows
The shift indicates potential optimism about future staffing needs, an economist at the Indeed Hiring Lab said.
Openbound perspective
Part-time versus seasonal hiring: what international job seekers should verify
Indeed’s holiday hiring data shows a shift in job labels at large employers. The useful next step is to check hours, end dates and role-specific sponsorship evidence.
Indeed Hiring Lab reported October 15 that seasonal postings as of September 30 were about 10% above the same point in 2025. HR Dive covered the findings October 20, highlighting a move toward part-time listings at some large employers. [1]
Among the large employers in the analysis, explicitly seasonal postings fell from about 34% to 20%, while part-time listings rose from 38% to 49%. These figures describe the posting mix in that analysis, not the share of all U.S. jobs or sponsorship availability. [2]
- A part-time label describes hours; confirm separately whether the job has an end date.
- Seasonal hiring growth does not measure demand for visa sponsorship.
- Check the exact posting’s schedule, work location and immigration requirements before applying.
Why the distinction matters
Openbound’s interpretation: searching only for seasonal jobs may miss roles that employers advertise as part-time. Search both terms when that schedule fits your goals, then inspect the actual employment conditions. A label alone does not establish a year-round commitment or a guaranteed number of hours.
For an international candidate, job availability and eligibility to accept that job remain separate checks. The Indeed analysis does not evaluate individual immigration circumstances. Confirm your own work authorization requirements with the appropriate qualified adviser before relying on any opening.
A practical checklist for the posting
Ask whether the position has a fixed end date, a minimum weekly schedule and a specific work location. Confirm whether the advertised pay is hourly and whether there are expected fluctuations in hours. Those details are more useful for comparing offers than the seasonal or part-time label by itself.
If you need employer sponsorship, ask whether the exact requisition supports it. Compare the employer’s historical evidence with the posting’s current language, and request confirmation from the hiring team. Past filings alone cannot answer whether this particular position is eligible or funded for sponsorship.
How far the data can take you
This is a snapshot of holiday-related postings, with a particular comparison date and employer group. It does not forecast your chance of an offer, establish a change in visa policy, or imply that part-time roles are suitable for every work authorization category. Read the linked original analysis for its scope before generalizing the results to another occupation.