HARRISBURG, Pa. — It's hard to believe we're talking about getting ready for the holidays.
But companies like UPS have to look ahead. The holiday shopping season is their busy season, and they need help.
UPS is holding its annual "Brown Friday" hiring event to prepare for the influx of deliveries. In central Pennsylvania, UPS is looking to hire nearly 500 seasonal employees in the Harrisburg, Middletown and Carlisle area.
Across the country, they're hoping to hire at least 60,000 this weekend out of the 100,000 employees they’ll need this season.
UPS says applying is faster and easier than ever. They say most applicants will have a job offer in less than 20 minutes. The company is hiring a variety of part-time and full-time seasonal positions with industry-leading pay.
These include package handlers, driver helpers and seasonal support drivers. Package car driver positions begin at $23 per hour. Package handler and most driver helper positions begin at $21 per hour.
The company also says they boast an 86% promotion-from-within rate for permanent employees.
Even though these are seasonal jobs, many UPS staff say they are a great way to get your foot in the door and begin a career.
"I came in with the expectation that I'll be here couple months," said Mate Nagy, a talent acquisition supervisor at UPS in Harrisburg. "Once I was here, I was really kind of moved by the opportunity. You can be anything at UPS and it will all start with that one job."
You can get your start at UPS this weekend at these locations:
- Friday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1 Ames Drive, Carlisle
- Friday, Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2110 N. Union Avenue, Middleton
- Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2110 N. Union Avenue, Middleton
UPS says current employees can take advantage of their referral program. Employees can get $250 for each referred employee.