Seasonal jobs are an excellent way to earn extra income at short notice, and the application and interview process is typically faster than it would be for a permanent role. This article includes links to places where you can find Christmas temporary work and tips on how to make your CV stand out.
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As the holiday season fast approaches, thoughts can turn towards seasonal employment opportunities and bringing in some extra cash. During the holiday season, many industries in the UK, especially retail stores, require a surge of temporary employees to tackle the heightened demand during the Christmas period.
Other sectors, like tourism and hospitality, also seek seasonal workers in the UK to help manage the influx of customers during this busy time. However, it's worth noting that several other industries you may not have considered also require seasonal workers, such as delivery and logistics companies, seasonal work ski resorts, and even Santa himself!
*Please note you are advised to use your due diligence before joining or applying. No endorsement is intended or should be inferred from being listed below.*
Benefits of Seasonal Work
Seasonal work in the UK is ideal if you are on the lookout for flexible job opportunities that can help you earn some extra income. Whether you're a student looking to make the most of your summer or winter break or someone seeking temporary employment, seasonal work offers a range of benefits that can't be ignored.
From bustling cities to quaint countryside locations, the UK offers a diverse range of seasonal job opportunities. From hospitality and retail to tourism and agriculture, there's something for everyone. Seasonal work not only provides financial stability, but it also offers the chance to gain valuable experience, enhance your skillset, and make new connections.
Additionally, seasonal work allows for a flexible schedule, allowing you to balance work and personal commitments and can enhance your future career prospects.
1. Retail and Supermarkets Christmas Employment Opportunities
During the festive season, many supermarkets tend to increase their workforce by hiring new staff to meet the high demand for Christmas shopping, and some even offer a 10-20% discount on your shopping. This discount can be a great opportunity for shoppers to save money while purchasing everything they need to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones.
Some retail and supermarket Christmas job boards to consider are:
Boots Christmas Work: https://www.boots.jobs/retail/christmas/
John Lewis Christmas Jobs Board: https://www.jlpjobs.com/john-lewis-and-partners/christmas-jobs/
Marks and Spencer: https://jobs.marksandspencer.com/christmas
Morrisons: https://www.morrisons.jobs/temporary-roles
Tescos Jobs: https://www.tesco-careers.com
Next Christmas Jobs: https://careers.next.co.uk/#en/sites/CX_3001/requisitions?keyword=christmas+support+team&mode=location
2. Delivery Driver Helper!
If you have a passion for travelling but don't have a driver's license, you can still be a part of the delivery industry by becoming a 'delivery driver helper' during the festive season. Numerous delivery companies, including FedEx and UPS, are actively recruiting seasonal workers to help with deliveries and work in their warehouses.
As a delivery driver helper, you will be tasked with assisting the driver in loading and unloading packages, navigating the delivery route, and providing customer service to recipients. In addition, you may also be responsible for sorting and scanning packages in the warehouse, ensuring that each package is delivered to the correct location.
3. Finding Seasonal Work - Search Engine Top Tip!
If you're looking to secure a seasonal job, searching for seasonal jobs online via Google and Bing can feel overwhelming due to the sheer number of results you'll get. However, there are ways to make your search more targeted and easier to manage. By using specific search terms, you can narrow down your results to find the type of job you're interested in and the location you prefer. This will save you time and effort in your job search and increase your chances of finding the perfect seasonal job.
Try using these search terms:
Instead of searching "find me a local Christmas job"
Be specific and use:
Your Location + "Seasonal Jobs"
Type of Work + "Seasonal Jobs"
Your location + Type of Work + "Seasonal Jobs"
4. How to Make Your CV Stand Out
Seasonal jobs may not offer long-term employment, but they are important for a company's success. They allow businesses to meet the demands of peak seasons and ensure that customers receive the best possible service. As a seasonal worker, it's essential to highlight your transferable employability skills on your CV. Additionally, you can showcase your ability to adapt quickly to new environments and learn new skills, demonstrating to potential employers that you have what it takes to succeed in a seasonal role and potentially secure future employment opportunities.
Some key transferable employability skills you can include on your CV to stand out as a seasonal worker include:
Communication skills: Employers value strong communication skills, especially if you interact with customers regularly. Converting your thoughts and ideas clearly and articulately will help build trust and confidence with your employer. Communication skills encompass not only speaking but also writing, listening, and nonverbal communication.
Enthusiasm: When applying for a job, it's crucial to do your research on the company and show genuine enthusiasm for the work. Start by exploring the company's website, social media pages, and any other available information to gain a better understanding of their values, mission, and goals. This will help you tailor your application and demonstrate that you have a genuine interest in working for them.
Flexibility: Seasonal job adverts may have more available hours than advertised. As a result, seasonal workers are expected to be highly flexible and adaptable to these changing needs.
Good team player: Employers typically hire teams of seasonal workers instead of individuals, therefore, it's essential to highlight your teamwork skills if you want to stand out as a potential candidate. You can do this by providing specific examples of how you have worked collaboratively with others to achieve common goals. For instance, you could talk about a project where you contributed to the team's success, and what you learned from the experience.
Reliability: When it comes to seasonal work, one of the most crucial factors that employers look for in their employees is reliability. This means that they need workers who are committed to the entire season without fail. It's not just about showing up for work every day, it's also demonstrating an understanding of the importance of commitment and punctuality.
5. Santa's Helper
If you love spreading the season's joy, one of the best ways to experience the magic of the holiday season is to join Santa's team with an Elf job or even as Santa himself for the advent period. As an Elf, you'll be responsible for helping Santa prepare for his big night by spreading cheer wherever you go. Or, you can take on the role of Santa himself and delight children with your jolly laugh and festive spirit. Either way, you'll be part of a cherished tradition that brings joy and happiness to people of all ages.
Great Grottos: https://www.greatgrottos.co.uk/roles-at-great-grottos
Hamleys (Helpers, Elf's and Toy Demonstrators):
Lapland UK:
6. Love the Snow
If you are someone who loves the snow and enjoys skiing, snowboarding, or other winter sports, you might want to consider winter jobs abroad.
Ski resorts hire staff for various positions, such as ski instructors, guides, ticketing and reservations agents, and hotel personnel. If you have experience in any of these areas or are simply passionate about skiing and snowboarding, this could be a great opportunity for you.
As a ski instructor or guide, you will have the chance to share your knowledge and skills with others, helping them learn and improve their technique. Ticketing and reservations agents are responsible for ensuring a smooth and efficient operation of the resort, while hotel personnel are in charge of providing guests with a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Ski Jobs: https://www.ski-jobs.co.uk/
Leisure Jobs: https://www.leisurejobs.com/jobs/ski-and-seasonal-jobs/
7. Royal Mail - Postman
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, Royal Mail may have just the thing for you. These seasonal opportunities involve delivering mail and parcels, sorting mail, or working at a Royal Mail distribution centre. This is an ideal opportunity for those who enjoy being active and working independently.
8. Christmas Market Stalls
Working on a Christmas market stall can be a fun and exciting experience, but it also requires a certain set of skills to be successful. Although formal qualifications are not mandatory for this type of work, having some prior experience in sales or retail can be useful.
When working at a Christmas market stall, you will be responsible for handling cash transactions, managing inventory, and interacting with customers. So, it's important to have a strong understanding of numbers and basic math skills to ensure that all transactions are accurate. You will also need to be able to handle cash quickly and efficiently, especially during peak hours when there is a high volume of customers.
Use Google and Bing and search:
Jobs + "Christmas Market Stalls"
I hope you find this article a valuable resource for finding job opportunities during the festive season. If you did, please share it with your friends and on social media.
You can also follow me on LinkedIn, where I share and repost industry-related news and jobs.
Additionally, if you have any tips or suggestions for others looking for work, please share them in the comments below. Let's spread the holiday cheer and help others find meaningful employment, too.