‘Tis the season to start applying for Christmas jobs, with 3,500 roles up for grabs at John Lewis
A seasonal temp job is a chance to prove yourself and could lead to more work later on
IT may still be summer but ’tis the season to start applying for Christmas jobs.
With exactly four months to go until the big day, John Lewis has started recruiting for festive workers.
The high street favourite needs a bumper 3,500 extra staff to help cope with the festive rush.
There are jobs available from Glasgow to Southampton in both part-time and full-time roles.
There are vacancies in customer service, stock management, catering, distribution hubs and customer contact centres.
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Whether you are looking to gain work experience, a career in retail or want to work specifically for John Lewis, seasonal work is an excellent way to get your foot in the door.
Studies show that up to a third of festive staff go on to land further work with their Christmas employer, with many taking up full-time jobs.
John Lewis resourcing manager Charlotte Veillet says: “Christmas temps are invaluable to John Lewis.
“The hard work and outstanding service they provide enables us to deliver the high standards that our customers have come to expect from us, even during our busiest time.
“We’re looking for Christmas partners who are keen to make a difference this holiday season and who understand the importance of excellent service in the John Lewis Christmas shopping experience.
“If you’re a fast learner, team player and up for a challenge, I’d urge you to apply.”
Jobs are being advertised in batches from today at so keep checking to see when your local store is recruiting.
'HIT THE GROUND RUNNING'
CHARLIE McCARTER started working as a festive temp at John Lewis in London’s Oxford Street in 2009 while still at university.
His can-do attitude impressed bosses and he was offered a permanent job before applying for the retailer’s coveted leadership programme.
Now 26, Charlie is assistant section manager in catering at the flagship London store.
Charlie, from Clapham Junction, South West London, says: “See your time as a Christmas temp like an extended interview.
“By being a real team player and showing a passion for what you do, you will put yourself in the best position to be considered for a role.
“The most challenging thing about being a Christmas temp was the pace of the job. Joining John Lewis at its busiest time meant I had to hit the ground running. You need to be constantly on the ball from the moment the shop opens and be prepared for tired legs at the end of the day.
“There is also a large amount of learning on the job with support from experienced partners who are always happy to help.
“But being a Christmas temp helped me gain a permanent role as it meant I could really prove myself to managers.
“It also meant that I was able to secure a steady income for when I was studying, along with all of the benefits that come with working for the John Lewis partnership, including the annual bonus.”
Brits go tech-mad
POKÉMON Go has sparked a rush for jobs at augmented reality computing firms.
In the game players use a mobile device’s GPS capability to locate, capture, battle and train virtual creatures who appear on-screen as if they were in the real world.
And a new study from jobs board Indeed shows searches for Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) roles are up by more than 256 per cent in the past two years. And job postings for the specialist tech roles have rocketed by 605 per cent.
Bill Richards, Indeed’s UK managing director, says: “The Pokémon Go effect could be a game-changer. It’s likely to focus attention on skills from design and programming to art and 3D modelling – hot jobs of the future.”
Be profile-savvy
THINK before you post on your social profile. That’s the message from the UK’s top recruiters as new research reveals 36 per cent of firms have turned down a candidate based on their profile.
The study, by job site , shows 65 per cent of HR bosses now routinely Google interviewees and 56 per cent say what they see influences if they’ll hire.
But 28 per cent of candidates also admit they check out online company reviews before deciding to apply.
Andy Sumner, managing director at Monster, says: “More and more employees and employers are looking for a good cultural fit, so often a Google search will tell a recruiter more than a CV can.”
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How to boost your income
ALMOST a quarter of a million Brits supplement their income with second jobs in direct selling.
This involves marketing goods and services directly to consumers, often in their own homes.
Lynda Mills, director general of the Direct Selling Association, says: “People are drawn to direct selling due to the flexibility to design your own career and take on numerous jobs that interest you.”
Helen Schwodler, from Southampton, started selling for The Body Shop At Home three years ago. She is now a senior area manager and looks after 80 consultants.
Helen, 35, says: “Working flexible hours allows me to spend quality time with my kids while not having to pay for childcare.”
For more about The Body Shop, see .
Take it GCS-Easy
WITH GCSE results out today, what should you do if you aren’t sure what sort of career you want? Here James Nugent, above, early talent recruitment manager at GSK, shares top tips.
❶ Consider what motivates you. People who excel in their career enjoy what they do.
❷ Be yourself. Companies are looking at more than just your academic achievements.
❸ Look out for advice and discussion online about different career options.
❹ Meet new people and embrace new opportunities. This will help you to decide on what is right for you and will look great on your CV.
❺ Job hunting is a marathon not a sprint. Take your time.
Find out more about GSK careers at .
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