Written by: Chelsea Cottier, Youth
Employment Counsellor
Are you hesitant to apply to a seasonal or short-term role? Don’t be! Let me tell you why!
As the fall and back to school season approaches you will begin to see more temporary or seasonal roles being posted online. Many industries have an increase in demand due to the holiday season and employers need to hire additional staff to support their current team. Additionally, seasons like Halloween can lead to events and pop-up stores that will hire people temporarily. These may seem like risky positions to apply to as the opportunity has an end date, however there are many benefits that make these opportunities worth considering! Read on to learn how to make the most of a seasonal or temporary role!
1. Break Into a New Industry
It is often difficult to find employment in
a new industry as many employers require a minimum amount of relevant previous
experience. However, when it comes to seasonal positions the requirements are
often less strict and may even encourage applicants with no prior experience to
apply. The effort that you put into a short-term role can also catapult you to
permanently break into a new industry. Once you complete a seasonal position
and add it to your resume you are more likely to stand out when applying to
longer term roles and will have relatable, recent examples to utilize in
interviews. Additionally, many seasonal roles can turn into permanent roles.
Your time in the short-term role is a chance to impress the supervisor and if
they have space on the team, you may be offered a longer-term role!
Resume Tip: To show that you are a good fit
in a new industry highlight your transferrable skills in a skills section that
is located near the top of the resume. Transferable skills are skills that you
have gained during previous experiences that can now be applied to a new
setting. These may be skills that you gained through participating in
extracurricular activities, attending high school or post-secondary studies or
through prior volunteer or work experience.
Examples of transferrable skills:
- Able to work well in a team or independently
- Relates well to a wide variety of people
- Able to communicate clearly and effectively in writing and verbally
- Able to take direction and follow through with instructions
- Able to multi-task and manage time
2. Develop New Skills
When looking for employment opportunities
it is crucial to consider your strengths and weaknesses and find ways to
upskill. Perhaps you would like to work in a customer service role, but you are
nervous about talking to new people every day. A seasonal or temporary role is
the perfect way to gain this skill and learn from your coworkers and
supervisor. Each shift is a chance to learn. Perhaps you learn how to greet a
customer and practice this skill until you feel comfortable. Perhaps you
observe opening and closing processes and practice interacting with teammates
and supervisors and this helps you feel more confident in taking on more
responsibility yourself. Temporary roles have their downsides but when it comes
to skill development, they are one of the best opportunities out there!
3. Earn a Reference
One significant part of the hiring process
is providing references who can speak to your previous abilities and
experience. After an interview employers may ask for a list of references they
can contact. When looking for your first job or early opportunities this is
often a hurdle job seekers face, and it can cause anxiety! Seasonal
opportunities allow for a perfect chance to impress a supervisor and gain a
shiny new reference. If you demonstrate a positive attitude, are hardworking
and motivated, and take direction well your supervisor is likely to be open to
being a reference for you for future opportunities!
Reference Tip: Ensure you ask for
permission before sharing your references personal information. Contacting them
to request that they be your reference also allows them to monitor their email
and phone so they can ensure to get back to the employer ASAP!
4. Build Your Network
Workplaces provide an amazing opportunity
to meet new people and build your network! Remember that your network and
personal relationships are one of your biggest tools when job searching. Many
positions are acquired through who you know. A current employee may refer a
friend or acquaintance for an open position and help them have an edge over the
competition. Additionally, a bigger network allows you to have more people
looking out for opportunities for you and they can provide useful advice to
help you achieve your goals. The relationships you build in this position, no
matter how short-term, could help you get another position in the future. So, be
open minded, ask good questions, and invest in building relationships with your
supervisors and colleagues.
5. Gain Recent Work Experience
Having a recent experience on your resume
is another great way to stand out! If you were just working in a similar role
the month prior, it is likely that you have retained those skills and can hop
into another similar role with ease. Employers like to know that you are taking
opportunities to grow and learn and have recently been engaged in your
community through volunteering, employment or training and education. Temporary
and short-term opportunities allow you to add something to your resume that is
very recent and will increase your chances of getting long term employment!
Need Help to Apply to a Seasonal Position?
Have Questions About How to Showcase Your Most Recent Seasonal or Short-Term
Role?
Visit us at The City of Calgary
Youth Employment Centre. We offer drop-in employment services to youth in
Calgary ages 15-24. We are here to support you and we have walk-in appointments
available for you to meet with a Youth Employment Counsellor.
Seasonal Opportunities to Consider This
Fall!
- Pumpkins After Dark – Applications open in August 2024
- Screamfest
– Applications will open soon!
- Spirit Costume Stores
- Retail/ Shopping Mall Opportunities – Hiring now and will continue into the next few months leading up to Christmas and the holiday season.
- Search online and via job boards using keywords such as the name of mall/shopping center, seasonal, temporary
