COVID-19 has been an unprecedented event in the U.S. and around the world. Between company-imposed quarantines and full citywide closures, there have been more than 26 million jobless claims.
If you find yourself among the many individuals who can't work and are temporarily without income, there are still options. Due to the surging demand for groceries and other delivery supplies, national chains such as Amazon and Target are currently conducting mass hires for temporary workers to fill the increased consumer demand.
Before you venture into an employment opportunity below, please stay home if you are feeling sick. While these are scary times, a paycheck is not worth the risk of potentially exposing others. We remind you to keep in mind COVID-19 symptoms and sanitation guidelines as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you are healthy and show no symptoms of the Coronavirus, and would still like to find immediate employment, here are some options for how to find places that are hiring:
Amazon
Amazon recently announced they would be opening 100,000 full-time and part-time positions in the U.S. for their warehouse fulfillment centers, shoppers and delivery driver teams. They have since filled those positions, but are now creating an additional 75,000 positions to meet demand. Additionally, they’ve increased their pay by $2/hour through May 16th to a total rate of $17/per hour in most U.S. jurisdictions. Jobs start in under seven days and require no previous experience or resume, but you must be 18 years old to start. Driver’s do not need a special license.
To find out more, visit Amazon's website or text “AMAZON” to 77088. Text “STOP” to opt-out. T&C/Privacy Policy here.
CVS
CVS has announced that they are hiring 50,000 additional employees in response to COVID-19. These 50,000 new roles span across the country, and include part-time, full-time, and temporary roles. In addition, they are providing bonuses for employees who are required in store, ranging from $150-$500.
Read here for more information on the available positions, how to submit an application, and CVS’s accelerated hiring.
Walmart
Walmart released a statement that they are “hiring 150,000 new associates through the end of May to work in stores, clubs, distribution centers and fulfillment centers.” In response to the current climate, Walmart’s usual two-week hiring process has been brought down to only 24 hours. If you are interested in applying, check here for what position may be available near you.
7-Eleven
In response to COVID-19, 7-Eleven is adding up to 20,000 jobs. Jobs range from sales associate, to assistant store manager, and assistant store operator. Read here for more information on how to apply and if a position is available near you.
Target
Target recently announced they would be hiring workers for their in-demand services like Order Pickup and Drive Up. Their hourly jobs include in-store customer representatives, drivers, and supply chain and distribution center employees. The company has roughly 9,000 jobs listed, though demand differs by region. The company has also made an admirable effort to provide extended benefits for employees who qualify, including two weeks of quarantine or sick pay, and backup health care.
To explore hourly roles for Target by location, click here.
Kroger
With constant empty shelves amid widespread food stockpiling, the Kroger grocery chain has hired 2,000 employees in the last week, and has 10,000 full-time and part-time positions currently available. The company is accepting applications for all positions including cashier, bagger, and clerk. The positions require no prior experience or education and time to hire is immediate.
You can apply online through Kroger's hiring portal.
U.S. Census 2020
The U.S. Census Bureau is looking to hire seasonal employees for its decennial census. These positions include census takers (who interview household residents), field supervisors (who monitor performance), recruiting assistants, and clerks. The hours are flexible, and paychecks are weekly. However, they do not specify timelines for being hired, and it appears to vary greatly by region.
To see U.S. Census field and office positions by location, check out the offices map here and for questions call the job hotline at 855-562-2020. You can also apply online.
Staples
While not on the scale of Amazon or Kroger, Staples has recently uploaded dozens of new positions to its job board, including warehouse pickers, forklift drivers, and restock associates. Most of the work is warehouse and not retail based, and there are positions for managers and others with previous warehouse experience.
You can apply online through the Staples' career portal.
Data Entry Jobs
For those who prefer not to leave their homes, data entry positions are a viable option for individuals anywhere in the country. Job boards like Flex Jobs have postings for full time and part-time positions for both remote and in-office jobs. Pay ranges between $10 and $17 per hour, with an average of $13.33 per hour, according to PayScale. A personal computer and internet connection are required, as well as a proficiency in English for most positions. Job availability is dependent on the listing company. As of publication date, new jobs are still being posted.
What to Do in the Meantime
If you’re still concerned about your immediate financial future, there are a number of steps you can take to try and lessen the financial windfall.
- File for unemployment. Many states have waived their waiting periods and/or expanded their unemployment benefits during this time. Check in with your state's Department of Labor as soon as possible to see what assistance is available.
- Create a budget. Assess right now how much money you have left, what you absolutely need for resources, and how long that can last you. While personal budgets normally have an income component, you may need to put $0, or change to whatever benefits you are receiving.
