Seasonal jobs are perfect for people who are in need of temporary employment to earn money or to acquire some professional experience.
Students who are having a summer break and people who would like to acquire work experience abroad often take on seasonal jobs.
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What is a seasonal job?
A seasonal job is a type of employment that lasts for a fixed period of time that is determined by the seasonal needs of businesses and companies.
Certain business sectors have seasonality, meaning they are busier during certain months of the year. Because of this, they require extra staff temporarily.
What are some examples of seasonal jobs?
The agriculture and hospitality sectors are known for offering plenty of opportunities for seasonal work.
The food service and retail industries also experience seasonality depending on the location of businesses. Even companies in the tech sector are in need of seasonal work.
Some examples of seasonal jobs include:
- Farmer
- Hotel staff
- Restaurant staff
- Entertainment facility staff
- Customer and tech support
- Retail store staff
- Driver
- Logistics/delivery staff
- Instructor
- Cruise ship staff
A seasonal job is a wonderful way to acquire some work experience in case you don’t have any.
Is a summer job considered seasonal?
A summer job is seasonal by definition because it lasts during the summer months.
A summer job can start as early as late spring and end by early autumn as the business enters the off-season during which customer/production activity severely drops.
How long are seasonal jobs?
Seasonal jobs typically last between 2 to 5 months. They revolve around certain seasons of the year during which businesses have their yearly peak of production and/or customer activity. Examples include holiday retail rushes or summer resort peaks, emphasizing the temporary nature of such roles.
For instance, seaside resorts are in need of lots of staff during the warm months of the year, with summer being the busiest period.
This means that they are in season for about 4 to 5 months during the year.
The same logic applies to winter resorts – they are busiest during the cold months of the year, especially when the snow starts to fall as it attracts ski and snowboard enthusiasts.
When do seasonal jobs start and end?
Seasonal jobs start 1 or 2 weeks before the accepted start of the season. This gives new recruits enough time to receive initial training so they can be effective employees when the busy period begins.
Seasonal jobs end when the busy season for companies and businesses comes to an end.
For example, seasonal summer jobs usually end in early autumn, and seasonal winter jobs end with the approach of spring.
How many hours do seasonal employees work?
Seasonal employees work a typical 40-hour work week. Additional work hours are paid as well. Some seasonal jobs might differ from the typical 8-hour workday.
For example, 4 workdays of 12-hour shifts with 3 days off, or 6 workdays of various shift hours and 1 day off.
Can a seasonal job become permanent?
A seasonal job can become permanent if the company/business is in operation the whole year and they are in need of full-time staff.
A seasonal employee can make a request to become a full-time staff member and get an approval.
How to turn a seasonal job into a permanent position
If you would like to turn your seasonal job into permanent employment, then here are 5 steps that you can take to increase your chances of being hired full-time.
1. Work diligently during your first month
As a new recruit, you need to prove to your supervisor and your coworkers that you are a hard-working and reliable employee. So make sure to give it your best during your first month of seasonal work.
2. Approach your supervisor and HR
After your first month of seasonal work, ask your manager to talk privately. Tell them that you really like working this job and if given the opportunity you’d like to be hired full-time.
If possible, speak to an HR representative as well. Make sure to mention once again just how much you love working this job.
Most likely you will be told that they will be informed whether you will be able to continue to work there full-time or not, once the end of the season approaches.
3. Keep up the good work
Stay a diligent and proactive employee. Be sharp about starting and ending your shift. Be proactive about your work and communicate with your supervisor frequently.
Form a meaningful coworker relationship with them.
Now that you have made your request to stay, your supervisor will keep an eye on you to decide if they should keep you as a full-time employee or not.
That is why it is important to remain diligent about your work.
4. Remind them of your wishes before the end of the season
As the end of the season approaches, make sure to remind your supervisor and HR about your wish to stay as a full-time employee.
There is a chance that they might have forgotten about your request.
5. Prepare for an interview
As the seasonal staff prepares to leave when the season is over, some of the regular full-time staff members might decide it is their time to leave as well.
Naturally, the opening has to be filled so you might be considered for the job.
That is why you should be ready for an unexpected job interview. Keep in mind that other seasonal workers might also wish to stay as full-time employees and there might not be enough openings.
It is very likely that the employer will conduct a screening and keep the most promising candidates.
Most likely your supervisor will be asked for their input and they will be the deciding factor on who will remain as a full-time employee.
Don’t take it badly if you are told that they won’t be able to hire you. Simply thank the employer for their time and move on to another job opportunity – besides, there is always next year.
Frequently asked questions about seasonal jobs
What are the benefits of taking a seasonal job?
Benefits include gaining work experience, earning extra income, flexibility, and potential opportunities for permanent employment.
How does the pay for seasonal jobs compare to permanent positions?
Pay can vary, but seasonal jobs often offer competitive rates due to the temporary nature and sometimes include overtime or bonuses during peak times.
Can I work multiple seasonal jobs in a year?
Yes, many people work different seasonal jobs throughout the year, aligning with various business peaks.
Are there any drawbacks to working in a seasonal job?
Drawbacks can include lack of job security after the season ends, potential absence of benefits, and the need to search for employment after each season.
