Finding opportunities in a changing season
Winter often brings a slowdown in Alberta hiring, and this January followed the expected pattern in many sectors. Even with this seasonal dip, Prospect is continuing to see steady opportunities in several industries across Calgary, Edmonton, Airdrie, Cochrane, Strathmore, and Rocky View. If you are beginning your job search or building momentum for the new year, these trends can help you stay focused and confident.
What We Are Seeing Across Alberta
Hiring across most sectors was minimal in January. This is typical for the season as employers work through post holiday business volumes and plan their recruitment needs for the next few months. This slowdown has been especially noticeable in the broader retail sector, where customer traffic is low and many employers are waiting until spring to ramp up staffing again.
Grocery retail is a clear exception. Stores continue to hire consistently across many locations. This steady activity reflects the essential nature of the sector and ongoing demand for reliable staff.
Warehousing employers also continue to recruit. Even with lower product volumes in January, many warehouses are hiring to address ongoing challenges attracting and retaining people who are comfortable with labour roles.
Construction remains one of the strongest hiring sectors in Alberta. Employers continue to report difficulty finding enough qualified candidates for labour, trades, and supervisory positions. Agricultural employers have also begun recruiting as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Food service remains active and restaurants continue hiring for kitchen, service, and supervisory positions. This includes both fast food and casual dining employers.
The financial services sector is also steady, with banks and insurance providers continuing to add staff.
Why This Matters for Your Job Search
Even during a slow month, the labour market continues to turn over. Staff movement, new budgets, and planning for spring all create opportunities. Fewer applicants are active right now, which can improve your chances of being noticed.
Employers in construction, grocery retail, warehousing, food service, and financial services all report ongoing recruitment needs. These shortages create openings for job seekers who are ready to apply, update their resume, and connect with employers.
January and February are also months when many organizations finalize plans for spring staffing. Staying active now can help you get ahead of that curve.
Where We Are Seeing Hiring Right Now
Prospect is currently tracking strong or steady hiring in the following sectors and employers:
Grocery retail
Superstore, Sobeys, and other chains continue to hire for customer service, stocking, and supervisory roles.
Food service
Popeye’s, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Jollibee, Fazoli’s, Fatburger, and JOEY Restaurants are all recruiting for front of house and back of house roles.
Construction and trades
United Roofing, Marmot Construction, Sebco Construction, Whissell Contracting, Structural Truss Systems, Forma Steel, Boardwalk trades teams, and others are hiring for labour, trades, and supervisory roles.
Warehousing and labour roles
Medline, Compass Group, Concentrix Canada, Gregg Distributors, Rosedale Transport, and several Edmonton area employers are actively hiring.
Retail
While slower overall, some employers continue to recruit, including Walmart, Staples, Spencer Gifts, Lammle’s Western Wear, Visions Electronics, Shoppers Drug Mart, and various local employers in Rocky View and Strathmore.
Financial services and customer service
ATB Financial, BMO, CIBC, The Co operators, PBS Systems, and UFA continue to post openings, including call centre and finance related roles.
Seasonal and community based roles
Banff Sunshine Village, MRU Summer Camps, the City of Calgary, City of Edmonton Transit Peace Officers, YMCA Calgary, Easter Seals, Jewish Family Services, Between Friends, and Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation all show ongoing recruitment activity.
Agriculture
Witdouck Farms, G3 Canada, and Solar Sheep Inc. are hiring labourers and seasonal workers.
Why This Matters for Clients
Clients aiming for roles in construction, grocery retail, and warehousing are well positioned. These sectors show strong and consistent demand and are expected to remain active. Clients targeting general retail roles may experience more competition until spring when hiring typically increases.
Tips to Strengthen Your Winter Job Search
Keep your applications going
Fewer people apply in January, which increases your visibility.
Tailor your resume for each role
Use keywords from the posting. Prospect’s Virtual Employment Resource Centre now includes resume and interview workshops you can complete on your own schedule.
Stay open to temporary or seasonal work
Short term roles can help you gain recent experience, build confidence, and make employer connections that may lead to permanent work.
Reach out to employers directly
Many organizations are planning their spring staffing needs now. A quick call or email can help you stand out.
We Are Here to Help
Prospect offers online workshops, in person support, and access to Career Advisors who can guide your next steps. Our team continues to track labour market changes across Alberta and will keep sharing timely updates to support your job search.
Whether you want a fresh start, a new direction, or a clear plan for the months ahead, you do not have to do it alone. We are here to help you move forward with confidence.
