SHOP around for your next job . . . in retail.
While many stores are struggling amid the Covid crisis, others are booming as shoppers continue to seek out value buys.
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To cope with the Christmas rush, lots of major retailers are now taking on temporary workers as store, warehouse and delivery staff.
Seasonal jobs are a great way to get back into work, earn extra cash for Christmas and develop skills to help you switch career.
Today we have more than 15,000 jobs to apply for, with thousands more coming in the weeks ahead.
Michelle Moran knows from experience how temporary Christmas work can develop into a rewarding retail career.
TEAM PLAYER
She took a festive job with The Perfume Shop 20 years ago and now, at 37, is a retail operations area manager.
Michelle, from Urmston in Manchester, says: “I shopped at The Perfume Shop and I’m passionate about perfume, so when I saw the Christmas job I had to apply. I instantly loved the job and made it clear to my manager I was interested in a permanent role.
“It was competitive and lots of other people were interested but I worked hard, was a team player, took on extra shifts and made sure I was passionate and committed through the contract.
“Retail is underestimated. It is hard work, the hours can be long and, as with all roles, it can be stressful. However, it is also incredibly rewarding. You have to be passionate about your products and about the brand you are an ambassador for.”
This year THE PERFUME SHOP is taking on 250 Christmas sales assistants. You can find out more at theperfumeshopjobs.com.
POUNDLAND needs 1,000 store temps, with some roles becoming permanent after Christmas. Retail director Austin Cooke said: “There’s no better place to be in retail right now.” Apply at poundlandcareers.co.uk.
Clothing chain NEXT needs 1,165 sales consultants, managers and delivery assistants. Apply at careers.next.co.uk.
JOHN LEWIS is getting into the Christmas spirit with thousands of roles up for grabs, including shop staff, operations support, warehouse, LGV drivers and distribution. See jlpjobs.com.
And HALFORDS wants 500 temps nationwide. Andy McBride, group head of resourcing and reward, said: “Halfords is looking for festive colleagues who will enjoy providing great customer service and love being part of a team.”
To apply, speak to the manager in your local branch of Halfords.
Hit the road
DO you have the drive? CROWN COURIERS is searching for 400 self-employed drivers, with flexible hours available. Apply at crowncouriers.co.uk/driver.
- Delivery giant DPD has 1,000 opportunities in various roles. See dpd.co.uk.
- MARKS & SPENCER wants to bring in 500 warehouse operatives at Castle Donington, Leics. Apply at staffline.co.uk.
- BAG a job with ICELAND. The supermarket chain has 5,000 festive roles for home delivery drivers, retail assistants and online pickers. Apply at icelandcareers.co.uk.
- WAITROSE needs thousands of festive helpers. Roles include supermarket assistants, warehouse support and drivers. Begin your search now at jlpjobs.com.
jobspot
CHEMIST chain BOOTS is hiring Christmas staff all around the country. Find out more about what’s available and apply now at boots.jobs/retail/christmas.
Maisie’s an original
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THOUGH only 20, hardworking Maisie Selway has already been promoted to assistant manager at The Original Factory Shop.
She joined the retailer in November 2017 as a temp.
Maisie says: “I was studying fashion at college at the time, while working part-time as a waitress.
“But due to my studies, I was really keen to develop my retail and fashion experience. I knew Christmas would be busy, so I took a chance and handed in my CV.”
Maisie, from Stroud, Gloucs, adds: “Retail is fast-paced, especially at Christmas, so it’s important to be a quick learner and use your initiative. The role helped me grow as a person and I’m far more confident now.”
This year The Original Factory Shop plans to hire 50 Christmas temps. See tofscareers.com.
jobspot
CLOTHING retailer MATALAN needs hundreds of seasonal temps for its stores nationwide. Begin your search today at matalan.jobs.
Be early and be flexible
ONE in five festive temps land a permanent job with their firm in January.
Here, Steve McCall of Newcastle City Jobcentre reveals his tips for turning a temp gig into long-term work.
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- Show ambition and the right attitude. Volunteer for extra shifts and let managers know you are keen on a permanent job.
- Be flexible. Come into work early and be ready to work a little beyond your finish time if you need to complete a task. It will be noticed.
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- Talk to colleagues. Ask how they started with the company. Showing a genuine interest will help you stand out.
- Be friendly, professional and dress smartly. Even if colleagues are more “relaxed”, stay professional. Treating the position as an extended interview will give the impression you belong there. If you get into that mindset from the start, your supervisor will sit up and take notice.
- Look ahead. Even if you don’t clinch a permanent job, you will get a reference, practical experience and examples you can take to the next job application. No Christmas job is ever wasted.
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