The festive season is fast approaching, and with it comes the annual hiring spree for Christmas casual positions in Australia.
These temporary roles are a golden opportunity for those looking to earn some extra cash, build up their resume, or even get their foot in the door of a potential future employer.
If you're considering diving into the world of seasonal employment, here's a guide, brought to you by Resume Boss, to ensure your application stands out for the Australian Christmas season!
1. Understand the Nature of Christmas Casual Jobs:
Christmas casual roles are primarily about helping businesses manage the holiday rush. You could be assisting with sales, stocking, customer service, or even wrapping gifts. Flexibility, adaptability, and a can-do attitude are crucial. Understand you also may not be employed longer than the seasonal period, as when the peak season ends, so too will the requirement for extra staffing for many businesses.
2. Start Early:
While Christmas might seem far off, many businesses begin their hiring process in October or even earlier. Mark your calendar and start scouting job listings to avoid missing out. This also means ensuring your resume is ready to go NOW! As we near the end of September there has already begun an influx of applicants flooding to the market for the highly desirable Christmas period.
3. Tailor Your Resume:
Using a generic resume? Time for a revamp. Highlight any relevant experience in retail, customer service, or related fields. If you're new to the job market, focus on skills acquired from school or extracurricular activities. Don't forget, if you want to really stand out, our team at Resume Boss are here to help provide you with that professional touch!
4. Emphasise Availability:
Many businesses have extended hours during the festive season. Being available during peak times, like late-night shopping or Boxing Day sales, can make you an attractive candidate. The more availability you have, the better!
5. Research Your Chosen Companies:
Personalise your cover letter by showcasing knowledge about the company. Are they renowned for excellent customer service? Or perhaps they have a specific company mission you resonate with. Employers appreciate candidates who’ve done their homework.
6. Dress the Part:
If you're called in for an interview, wear an outfit that mirrors the company's style or dress code. This shows potential employers you're a good fit for their brand.
7. Showcase Soft Skills:
While specific job-related skills are crucial, don't overlook soft skills. Teamwork, communication, and problem-solving abilities are all highly sought after in the Christmas casual job market.
8. Follow Up:
Don’t just send your resume into the void. If you haven’t heard back after a week or two, a polite follow-up email can demonstrate your enthusiasm and initiative.
Christmas casual roles are more than just temporary jobs; they’re a chance to build skills, make connections, and perhaps even lay the foundation for future career opportunities. As a bonus, overtime and weekend rates may help boost your savings account or leave with you with a little extra shopping money for the Christmas break.
As you gear up to apply, remember to present the best version of yourself, both on paper and in person.
And for that extra edge in the competitive job market, chat to us at Resume Boss. We're here to help! Whether it's a simple conversation or you are seeking a quote, we're here to help our clients be the very best they can be.