A SHORT GUIDE TO CHRISTMAS TEMP JOBS FROM START TO FINISH
JOBS = REQUIRE EXPERIENCE. EXPERIENCE = REQUIRES A JOB. ANNOYING, RIGHT? DON’T WORRY, THE CHRISTMAS TEMP JOB IS HERE TO SAVE THE DAY.
Temporary Christmas jobs are a great way to gain experience in the world of work while making money (unlike many unpaid internships or volunteering), so today we’re here to talk about how to apply, what you can get out of them (besides money), what kinds of businesses you might work in, how to improve your chances of securing a permanent job and other benefits.
So, strap in. Let's begin.
What is a Christmas temp job?
Well, it's exactly as the name suggests.
A Christmas temp job is temporary employment during the winter months, a particularly busy time for many businesses, especially in retail or hospitality. The typical duration of a Christmas temp job is from November to January, but some companies might start hiring a little earlier to allow for initial training.
Temporary Christmas jobs are a great way to earn money, develop new skills, and work in a way that is flexible for you. There is no notice period and no long-term commitment, and you may even get to try something entirely new.
What industries?
If we were to ask you, which industries you think will be the busiest during the Christmas period, you would probably answer retail, hospitality, delivery, and postal. So, it should be no surprise that these are the industries where Christmas temp work is most prominent.
Christmas temp work can mean working long hours and spending a lot of time on your feet, and the hours can sometimes be unsociable. These hours are typical and suitable for Christmas temp work since they coincide with some of the busiest periods. If you work in retail, it is doubtful that you will work Christmas or New Year's Day, but if you work in hospitality, you might.
When should you start looking?
Surprisingly, September and October can be the best months to find Christmas temp jobs.
By mid to late November, most employers will have chosen their group of Christmas temps, and many may even have begun hiring and onboarding them.
Christmas shopping has already started for some people. So, if you're interested in finding seasonal employment in 2022, start searching right away!
How to apply?
Applying for a Christmas temp job is like applying for any other job. First, you need to find out which companies are actively hiring in your area. As always, the internet is one of your best friends when it comes to this. Using websites like Indeed, Reed, and Find A Job will start to show you which types of employment are available in your area and which companies are looking for temporary employees.
Alternatively, you can go down the old-fashioned route and visit some of the companies in person with a copy of your CV. This is typically more suitable for hospitality and gives you an excellent opportunity to make a positive first impression. When applying in person, you want to find the best possible contact at the company, and this is usually the manager.
Next, you need to ensure that you introduce yourself clearly in a friendly and professional manner. When applying in person, it is also important to choose the right time to visit the company. Every business has a slow and busy period. A restaurant will be busy around lunch or dinner time, so it’s unlikely you will catch the manager's attention at that time. In fact, if you choose an incorrect time, you can be seen as someone with bad judgement. If you happen to arrive during what feels like rush hour, recalculate, and try again in 30 minutes.
When applying online, make sure to take your time filling in any application forms. They should be fairly straightforward, but don’t rush. You want to put your best foot forward.
What can you gain from it?
While Christmas temp jobs only last for a short period of time, the experience that you gain can be invaluable for helping you to secure permanent employment further down the line.
Different job settings provide the opportunity to hone skills like time management, teamwork, or communication, as well as the chance to uncover skills you had no idea you had. In addition to this, by working on a short-term contract, you can receive a taster of the industry to discover if this is something that you like doing.
Other benefits of working a Christmas temp job include the opportunity to make new friends, and to build up your CV and list of references for future employment.
How to improve your chances of securing a permanent job
While it's important to remember that a temporary job for Christmas is just that—a temporary job—there is always a chance that it could develop into a permanent position. Take advantage of the opportunity as a job trial rather than acting as though the position is only temporary. Give the work the same level of attention and consideration you would if it were a permanent position. Make the best initial impression you can on your line manager so they will take you into account if and when a permanent position opens.
If you're interested in a permanent position with the company, let your line manager know. You may propose a meeting with them or simply strike up a quick convo as you go. Do this once you have proven yourself to be a useful employee. If a permanent position becomes available, notify your line manager straight away rather than waiting for them to get in touch with you.
As you can see, this is the perfect time to kickstart your career with a temporary job during the holiday season. From the team at Street League, good luck with your applications! If you need some extra help, join a Street League programme today and our staff will support you to reach your goals.