Job opportunities

JCPenney plans to hire 400 associates for the back-to-school season in South Florida.

Facing a tight labor market, JCPenney said it will hire 400 seasonal associates in South Florida for the back-to-school shopping season.

Nationwide, the retailer said it plans to hire 18,000 seasonal workers.

JCPenney said it is hiring for customer service and support positions including cashiers and replenishment specialists, as well as beauty consultants for Sephora stores inside JCPenney stores.

At locations where JCPenney has hair salons, the retailer also is hiring stylists on a commission basis.

Interested job-seekers can apply in the store using JCPenney’s applicant kiosk, or online at jcpcareers.com.

Other retailers including Kohl’s have announced early seasonal hiring — even for the Christmas holidays — due to the current U.S. job market. With the lowest unemployment in a decade, there are more jobs available than jobseekers, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Seasonal positions are now available at more than 300 store locations, not including those in South Florida. But additional hiring is expected to begin at all Kohl’s stores, distribution and e-commerce fulfillment centers, and credit operations nationwide in August, Kohl’s said in a news release.

For more information on Kohl’s seasonal positions, visit Careers.Kohls.com.