Playing Santa Claus, wrapping gifts, lending a helping hand to a caterer… There is no shortage of holiday jobs, since the big stores, shops and restaurants see an influx of customers before Christmas. Here are some ideas for you to build a little nest egg in a festive spirit!
The number of seasonal job offers rises in December, but from October (and especially in November) employers are wrapping up their holiday recruitment. Demand is high, so get there early!
Holiday jobs let you both round out your month-ends and add some additional experience to your CV. It’s also a great opportunity to get in touch with other circles than those related to your job search. With a bit of luck you could meet potentially influential people. Who knows? You could be remembered later for a holiday replacement or a more long-term job.
Types of holiday jobs
Retail holiday jobs
Among these seasonal jobs, those related to the retail trade lead the pack: salespeople or sales associates, cashiers, gift wrapping attendants, shelf minders, product demonstrators. In this last category, companies hire demonstrators (e.g., perfumes, food products) for tours in several stores. The offers often come from the company itself. Keep an eye on it!
The list of Christmas markets or short-lived booths (such as sale of Christmas trees) grows every year. Many neighbourhoods and boroughs need casual employees: salespeople, cutters, delivery drivers, Christmas tree packers, etc.
There are also companies that install Christmas decorations (indoors and outdoors, residential and commercial). What do they need? Installers, technical assistants, assistant decorators, etc.
Hotel and restaurant
Restaurants, catering services, reception organizers, take-out counters are already taking reservations for year end festivities. They often need reinforcements: waiters, bartenders, table attendants, hosts and hostesses, kitchen helps, cashiers, dishwashers, cleaners, food product delivery drivers, preparers, delivery attendants.
Jobs related to recreation
As for winter jobs, winter sports stations, recreation and leisure centres can need additional staff: attendants at reception, reservations, machinery, entertainers for young people and children, Santa Clauses, etc.
Some tips to find the perfect holiday job
Stay close to home
First look at the stores, shops, cafés, restaurants, florists in your neighbourhood. Stay on the lookout for posters put up on some windows. Drop of your CV when you go by them. Hiring is often done on the spot.
Pay attention to your presentation
Presenting yourself in person with a CV in hand and a big smile is ideal. The first contact is what counts the most! Choose a good time, when it is less crowded. Ask to speak to the manager.
Be prepared
Prepare your seasonal CV, and have it in hand and your social insurance number and, why not, the contact details of a reference in case the employer asks for it.
To respond to job offers online, you could modify your CV a bit. But since these are casual jobs, with well defined duration and only requiring a little or no experience, the cover letter will make the most impact. And don’t forget word-of-mouth!
Holiday time is an opportunity to be taken advantage of – here could be your chance to end the year with more cash in your pocket and more experience on your CV!