This article was originally published on ComeRecommended.com.

As we quickly approach the holiday season, many job seekers are considering seasonal employment. While the obvious choice for these positions might be the retail industry, many other industries are hiring seasonal workers this holiday season, as well. CareerBuilder‘s recently released annual survey looks at these industries’ plans to hire for the holidays and the potential for seasonal workers to stay on with the company in permanent positions.

The industry hiring the most seasonal workers this year, to no surprise, is retail. In fact, 39 percent of retail hiring managers plan to hire seasonal workers this year. This is up from 36 percent last year and 29 percent in 2011.

Some other more popular industries hiring workers this holiday season include:

• Customer Service – 33 percent
• Shipping/Delivery – 18 percent
• Information technology – 18 percent
• Inventory Management – 17 percent
• Leisure and hospitality – 16 percent
• Financial services – 16 percent
• Administrative/Clerical – 15 percent
• Sales (non-retail) – 12 percent
• Marketing – 9 percent
• Accounting/Finance – 6 percent

Not only are all of these industries hiring, but also more than half of these employers will pay seasonal workers at least $10 per hour. Additionally, nearly 70 percent of employers hiring seasonal staff tend to re-hire some of the same people for holiday positions every year.

If you’re wondering where you fit in to all of this, 45 percent of employers said they hire mostly college students for seasonal jobs. Thirty-four percent tend to hire experienced workers, 23 percent hire mostly high school students, and 17 percent hire retirees.

Turn Your Holiday Job Into a Permanent One

The survey also revealed 49 percent of employers plan to transition some of their holiday workers into full-time, permanent staff. This is up 10 percent from last year. If you want to keep your seasonal job after the holidays, you need to apply right away. Most employers stop accepting applications at the end of October. You should also let your employer know your goal right away. Fifty-three percent of employers would like to know upfront that you are interested in a permanent role with the company. Both of these actions will help you stand out from other potential candidates.

You also need to work very hard during the holiday season to impress your managers if you want to stay on permanently. Here are some simple ways employers suggest you do this:

• Proactively offer to help, instead of waiting to be asked (59 percent).
• Ask for more projects (46 percent).
• Offer up ideas (44 percent).
• Show interest in the job opportunity, not the discount you’ll get (39 percent).
• Research the company and its products (33 percent).
• Wear clothes from the store you’re apply to, not the competitor (18 percent).

If you want to get in on the seasonal job market, do it right now. There are plenty of ways to set yourself up for success this holiday season and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a way to launch your career, or just something to help earn some extra cash, seasonal work could be your best option.

Do you have experience as a seasonal worker? Has it helped you further your career?