MILWAUKEE -- Holiday hiring is at its lowest level in 17 years according to local job market analysts.

Seasonal Hiring At Lowest Levels

If you're looking for work, or just want some extra cash for the holidays - good luck.

“No, I don't think it's going to get worse. But I don't know how fast it's going to get better,” said Carol Schneider, the CEO of SEEK Careers and Staffing.

For 37 years her company has found workers for manufacturing jobs.

She thought after the election her outlook would be more clear, but it's not.

“I'm not sure if there is as much out there as there has been in the past. We're looking at the possibilities of banquet workers, but now I'm hearing that some people are canceling their parties,” Schneider said.

She says the problem is confidence.

Employers are uneasy about the future even though Milwaukee's economy is stronger than other major cities, with unemployment at 5 percent - the same as this time last year.

“There's still work out there. If you want it. If you want to work everyday. Which is a problem for a lot of people,” Schneider said.

She says skilled workers, like machinists and welders, are in high demand.

A quick online search shows Best Buy, and UPS need workers.

And so does the airport which is looking for baggage handlers.

Schneider says nationwide, 7 percent of workers are placed online, while temp agencies like SEEK make up another 7 percent.

But the rest - 86 percent - find jobs through friends.

“Put your thinking cap on, come up with ideas, keep networking,” Schneider said.