Written by Dave Cullen
As consumers once again begin gearing up for the festive season, retailers will also be preparing for the big holiday rush. Last year, more than 25,000 temporary workers were recruited to handle the additional demand of seasonable shoppers, with a similar number expected again this year. So as the seasonal scramble for Christmas gifts commences, so too does the competition among Ireland’s unemployed for those coveted retail positions.
Although the majority of these short-term roles will be limited to the Christmas period, there will be a small percentage of candidates who will be retained by their respective employers. Many successful applicants will be hoping to take advantage of this foot-in-the-door opportunity, by making themselves an indispensable staff member and a permanent employee.
Express your wish to be made permanent. Let them know that you wish to stay. Speak to your supervisor and make it clear that you are interested in making this temporary role into a permanent one. Consider writing them a letter outlining how you have enjoyed being part of the company for the Christmas period. Thank them for giving you the opportunity and enquire about the possibility of remaining within the organisation.
Act like a permanent employee: Be punctual and show your willingness to work hard. Going the extra mile by volunteering to work longer hours is a great way of demonstrating your enthusiasm for the job. Be proactive, exude positivity and ambition. Show your commitment to the customer by providing them with a memorable service. Your efforts will be noticed by your employer. When permanent positions become available following the holiday season, the most memorable temporary staff will be the ones first in line for consideration.
Become a team member: There is a common preconception that temporary staff are not truly part of the company and therefore should not be considered de facto team members. However what makes this a self-fulfilling prophecy is that many temporary workers fail to make the effort to integrate themselves. Separate yourself from other temp staff by contributing your ideas, helping your colleagues and building productive relationships with them. Your goal is to make yourself an invaluable team member.
Develop your Network: Make connections by networking through Christmas parties and other social gatherings around the holiday season. Build a contacts base within the company to aid your job search and try to break out of your comfort zone by attending festive events you otherwise wouldn’t. For more advice on how to network, check out our blog: How to use networking to find a job.
Be on the lookout for job advertisements: Enquire about new opportunities that arise within the organisation. Apply for any of them that you think would be suitable to you. 90% of new positions are not publicly advertised, they are recruited internally, and this gives you a considerable advantage over other applicants.
