As the festive season approaches and Santa’s arrival draws near, pockets and wallets tend to feel a little lighter as the gift buying and holiday entertainment commences.
Whether you’re a teen looking to earn a little extra cash or an adult looking for additional dollars to replace those being spent, a casual Christmas job may be just what you need.
What to Do Before You Start Job Hunting
In order to apply and be successful at obtaining a casual job over Christmas (or any job for that matter) there are a few things you should consider.
- Think about how far you (or your parents) are willing to travel for work.
- What hours and days can you work? Do you have other commitments you need to work around?
- What sort of work are you interested in – customer service, retail, food prep?
- Have you got an updated resume? If not, now is the time to get one organised.
Where to Start Looking for a Christmas Casual Job
There are numerous ways to source job opportunities nowadays, all you need is a little time and motivation. Below is a list of some resources to consider utilising when job hunting.
Online Employment Sites – There are many online sites (Seek, CareerOne, Indeed, Summer Jobs) which allows users to search for jobs using a variety of filters. You can even set up alerts for specific jobs, to save you the hassle of searching each day.
Social Media – Going online and asking around, both via your own social network and in local community groups, can be a great way to get word out to those you know or live close to, that you are looking to find work. Many community groups and businesses will use social media to advertise roles, so following companies you are interested in working for is a great way to hear about new opportunities as soon as they come up.
Get out and about – If you are extra keen to secure work then printing out a handful of resumes and delivering them to places of interest in person is a great idea. This assists in getting your foot in the door (so to speak) and shows drive and initiative. First impressions count so dress to impress and wear a smile on your face.
Entrepreneur – Have you got a skill or service you can offer others? Dog or housing sitting, cleaning, washing cars, mowing lawns or running errands? Whatever it may be, there may be an opportunity to earn a little extra cash on your own and you can easily advertise your services locally via noticeboards, posters or online groups.
Word of Mouth – Many casual positions are filled by word of mouth, meaning they may not be formerly advertised. If you have friends, older siblings, or family who already have a job, let them know you are looking for casual work over Christmas. You never know what might pop up.
Top Tips for Getting Casual Work Over Christmas
- Update your resume and have another adult look over it.
- Highlight your skills and interests, appropriate to the job you are applying for.
- Always be polite and friendly when interacting with any potential employer.
- Dress appropriately when handing out resumes or attending interviews.
- Be prepared for rejection and take it graciously.
- When you do get a job be punctual, professional and hardworking.
Christmas Specific Jobs
The weeks and months leading up to Christmas can be a busy time. Increased demand for services and products also means increased need for staff. The arrival of Christmas specific events, such as Christmas Carols, Santa photos and gift wrapping is a great avenue for additional income.
Christmas Carols – Event staff can often be required for large Christmas carols from parking attendants, food truck staff, retail assistants and even singers. Contact your local event organisers for details.
Decoration Installer – Many commercial properties outsource the hanging of decorations (and their removal). Do a quick internet search for local decoration or display services to see if they have any positions vacant.
Gift Wrapping – Whilst it can sometimes be a voluntary role, there is occasion where gift wrappers are paid. Check with your local shopping centre to see if they have any vacancies.
Santa Photos – Many department stores and shopping centres offer Santa photos in December (and sometimes by the end of November). Positions may be required for Santa’s helpers, photographers or general helpers.
Companies Who Offer Casual Work Over Christmas
Many large companies are on the lookout for extra workers over the festive period. With full-time staff on leave, and increased demand, additional staff is always needed.
If you are looking for casual work during the holidays, it might be a good idea to check out these places first.
Delivery Services – DoorDash, Menulog, Uber, MILKRUN
If you are lucky enough to secure a casual job over Christmas take a moment to be grateful. It is a great opportunity to learn new skills, make friends and earn money. It may also spark an interest and help you decide what employment field you may or may not like to be involved in when you are seeking full-time employment.
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