IF YOU’RE looking to earn some extra cash this Christmas, then it’s time to get your skates on.
Retailers, restaurants, bars and entertainment venues have already started hiring for the festive season, and many of the bigger employers will close off their applications process in the next two weeks.
But it’s not too late, according to Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman, who said the six weeks before Christmas accounted for up to 60 per cent of most retail companies’ annual turnover.
In 2016, Australians spent more than $48bn in the lead-up to Christmas, and a further $17bn from Boxing Day to January 15 this year.
Mr Zimmerman said smaller retailers and catering firms were still looking for reliable, hardworking staff to help shoulder the load in their busiest time of the year, and some would be hiring well into November and even December.
Fashion outlets, giftware stores, department stores and small businesses selling seasonal products would all need an extra hand, particularly in December when people traditionally did the bulk of their shopping.
Stores like David Jones need plenty of Christmas casuals to help keep up with demand from shoppers during the busiest time of the year. Picture: Jono SearleSource:News Corp Australia
Restaurants and catering firms would also be looking for casual chefs, cooks, kitchen hands, wait and bar staff to meet increased demand.
Retail giant David Jones is looking for sales staff in fashion, beauty, accessories, food and homewares, as we all as logistics roles, while smaller retail clothing, beauty and eye-ware outlets have just started recruiting extra sales staff.
Mr Zimmerman said Australian retail was littered with people who got their start from a seasonal or part-time role. “It’s a good opportunity for anyone who wants to work in any retail business — from young high school and university students, to older workers. Take advantage of the season by approaching employers now.
If you’ve ever wanted to try being a postie, Christmas is a good time to start, with Australia Post needing 2000 extra workers. Picture: Nathan DyerSource:News Corp Australia
“Christmas casuals are vitally important to retailers, and if people perform well during the very busy festive season, then beyond January the good performers can secure full-time roles.”
People should apply online or walk through the doors of retail businesses, being sure to bring a CV and references with them, while dressing the part.
“If you’re applying to work in a surf shop, then a three-piece suit is probably not the right attire,” he said. “Dress for the job you’re going for, and cover up any tattoos. Put a photo on your resume and make sure you include personal references.
“Remember that retail is not just about being behind a counter — it’s a multi-billion dollar sector that needs marketing professionals, IT consultants, website designers, merchandise managers and sales people.”
Peter Brindley, executive director of Frontline Recruitment, said most of the big retailers had filled their Christmas roles, but smaller clothing brands and fresh food outlets were still hiring.
“It never hurts to make personal contact with some of the smaller retailers to see if they have any opportunities, and make sure you’re getting online as companies are now using social media much more effectively in their recruitment drive.”
If you’re a 40-70 year old male with a rotund figure, you may be the perfect Santa for your local shopping centre.Source:Supplied
Meanwhile, Australia Post is hiring an extra 2000 workers nationally between October and January and is expecting this Christmas to be its busiest in its 208 year history.
Group manager of resourcing and careers, Rebecca Houghton, said truck drivers across the country were in demand, but seasonal parcel and letter sorting roles had already been filled.
For those aged 40-70 with a jolly disposition and an ample girth, it’s not too late to channel the jolly fat man at shopping centres, private parties or corporate events.
Some of the country’s biggest recruiters of Santa staff are still on the lookout for kind, caring, gentlemen to create some Christmas magic for children across the country.
Most provide training, red suits and even extra padding, and are offering $25-$35 an hour. Jobs as elves or helpers and photographers are also still being listed by Christmas recruiters including Scene to Believe, Promoworks and Book A Santa.
Founder of christmascasuals.com David Zanker said hospitality venues typically started their festive season recruitment drive in November, so there was still time to apply for chef and wait staff roles in bars, restaurants, cafes and casino complexes.
December and January are traditionally very busy for restaurants and bars, and many hire casual staff for this period. Picture: Peter WallisSource:News Corp Australia
Mr Zanker set up his dedicated Christmas casuals platform in 2015 after receiving more than 1200 applicants for one part-time Christmas job. He now matches employers and candidates directly through his website.
“I realised there was a real niche market there,” Mr Zanker said. “We now have 60,000 registered candidates and 500 employers. There are hundreds of jobs listed in retail, hospitality and warehousing and employers contact candidates directly.”
Job-seeking websites also list seasonal work for coach and courier drivers, home care workers, nannies, and house and dog sitters as families get busier or are away on holiday throughout December and January.
