The downturn in the economy is affecting the job market and leaving many people with less money in their pockets.

But despite an ailing economy and a bleaker-than-usual holiday sales forecast, employers like discount retailer Target will still need extra help from seasonal workers.

"It really hasn't affected the way we hire," Target human resources manager Leon Cooper said. "We determine how we're going to hire even before all the forecasts come out. We've determined we need a certain amount of people."

Although holiday hiring has begun, experts say it will be slower than before.

"This time of year, you're going to see an uptick in retail," David Clegg, of the N.C. Employment Security Commission, said. "And as we begin to see that uptick occur for the holiday industry, we may not see that curve as steep as it has been in the past."

Experts say some of the best job prospects will be at discount retailers, but other industries won't fare as well.

Manpower's employment outlook survey for the fourth quarter shows more employers in the Triad plan to reduce staffing levels. Greensboro's net employment percentage change is negative 17 percent. Two of the best sectors to find work there, however, are education and services.

The net employment increase in the Triangle and Charlotte will be pretty small – 7 and 8 percent respectively.

Manpower advises Raleigh workers to look into public utilities or administration, while Charlotte job seekers should consider construction or services.

At 13 percent, the percentage is only slightly better for Wilmington, where people may have luck looking for construction work.

But Clegg said job seekers should look for other options.

"We see part-time work in North Carolina as a viable occupational alternative now," Clegg said.

Retail managers said those looking for part-time seasonal work should start applying now so they can be trained in time.

"You have to have people who are knowledgeable, people who understand what their job is and people who are willing to help people," Cooper said.