A Holiday Job Can Be More Than Temporary Work

When you see a job listed as “seasonal” or “temporary,” you might be tempted to skip it.

After all, if your goal is a full-time, permanent job, why apply for something that may only last a few weeks or months?

A seasonal job may not be your final destination, but it can still be a useful step forward. It can give you recent work experience, help you build new skills, grow your network, and give an employer a chance to see what you can do.

In some cases, temporary work may even lead to an opportunity for longer-term employment.

Use the Opportunity to Gain Experience

Getting experience can be difficult when employers want to hire people who already have experience.

A seasonal job can help you get started.

Depending on the position, you might gain experience in:

• Customer service
• Sales
• Warehousing or inventory
• Food service
• Cash handling
• Teamwork
• Using workplace technology
• Working in a fast-paced environment

Even if the job isn't in the career you eventually want, many of these skills can transfer to other workplaces.

For someone with little work history or someone returning to work after time away, seasonal employment can also add recent experience to a resume.

Show an Employer What You Can Do

Think of temporary employment as an opportunity to build a strong work record.

Show up on time. Be willing to learn. Follow directions. Ask questions when you need help. Treat coworkers and customers with respect. Look for ways to be helpful.

These actions may sound simple, but they show employers something important: how you work.

If permanent positions become available, having a positive work record may help you be considered. There is no guarantee that a seasonal position will become permanent, so continue working toward your long-term employment goal.

Build Skills You Can Take With You

Your paycheck isn't the only thing you can gain from a seasonal job.

Pay attention to what you're learning.

Maybe you become more comfortable talking with customers. You learn a new computer system. You get better at managing your time. You learn how to work with a team when things get busy.

Those are skills you can talk about in your next interview and add to your resume.

Before your seasonal job ends, make a list of the new tasks you've learned and the skills you've practiced. You'll be glad you have it when it's time to update your resume.

Make New Connections

A seasonal job can also help you build your professional network.

Supervisors and coworkers may become valuable professional contacts. If you've done good work, consider asking a supervisor whether you can use them as a reference.

You can also let your supervisor know that you're interested in staying with the company if a permanent position becomes available.

Even if the seasonal job ends as planned, you can leave with new experience, new connections, and someone who can speak about the work you've done.

Keep Your Long-Term Goal in Sight

Taking a seasonal job doesn't mean giving up on the career you really want.

Ask yourself: What can I gain from this opportunity that will help me take my next step?

Maybe it's experience. Maybe it's confidence. Maybe it's a reference, a new skill, or a chance to learn what type of workplace you enjoy.

A quality job is about more than a paycheck. As you gain experience, keep thinking about the kind of work that can offer the stability, growth, schedule, benefits, workplace environment, and opportunities that matter to you.

Turn Your Experience Into Your Next Opportunity

If you're considering seasonal work—or you're already working a temporary job—Employment Connection can help you think about what comes next.

Our Career Coaches can help you update your resume with your new experience, practice for interviews, explore careers, search for jobs, and identify skills you may want to build. Employment Connection also offers job-search resources and workshops to help customers prepare for their next opportunity.

Looking for your next job? Visit EmploymentConnect.org or stop by your local Employment Connection center. Our team is ready to help you turn the experience you're gaining today into a plan for tomorrow.

Let’s Get to Work.