Christmas might seem a long way off but many big employers are already recruiting for temporary staff to cope with the seasonal rush.
If you are looking for employment over the festive period then now is the time to be getting your CV in shape and sending those applications in.
Many seasonal roles are in retailing but there are also jobs up for grabs at Royal Mail and Center Parcs.
And, although they are only seasonal roles, if you are looking for something more long term then many employers offer permanent jobs to temporary workers who impress.
Scores of retailers are currently recruiting for people to work during the Christmas period.
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Some require prior retail experience, while other vacancies are looking for workers with a cheerful personality and a can-do approach to the role.
Here’s a round up retailers and other firms recruiting for the Christmas period now.
Many have outlets in Coventry, Warwickshire, Solihull and Birmingham, though for some roles you may need to travel further afield.
Debenhams
Debenhams is recruiting people to be members of its special Christmas team.
Team members will be working in stores across the country, serving customers and helping them when required.
The job description reads: “You’ll help create the perfect shopping experience.
“Always ready to help, always willing to go the extra mile and all with a friendly smile, means our customers will leave with a lasting impression for all the right reasons.”
See all of the Debenhams Christmas vacancies here.
John Lewis
Positions are now open for retail stock assistants.
There are full-time and part-time vacancies available at stores all over the country.
In its job description John Lewis says: “Christmas is our busiest time of the year, so expect your day to be varied. It will be your job to ensure our fantastic product range is always available to our customers allowing them to find that special gift.
“The festive season is fast paced and our retail stock assistants will need to have an ability to replenish stock, ensure correct pricing and create eye-catching displays.
“You will also need a flexible approach as there will be times when you will be supporting the selling team and other areas of the branch.”
See all of the John Lewis Christmas vacancies here.
Lush
Have you always dreamed about being one of the Lush workers who carry out the product demonstrations? Well, this festive season could be your chance.
The animal cruelty-free firm is currently on the hunt for people to work as sales assistance across some of its UK stores.
You’ll need to bring a “positive and upbeat energy to the shop floor”, and be able to connect with customers and show off Lush’s products.
See all of the Lush Christmas vacancies here.
Royal Mail
The postal service hosts a huge recruitment process each year in the run-up to the festive season.
The Coventry South sorting office and Birmingham Mail Centre are recruiting ‘Christmas casuals’ to help sort out parcels, correspondence, and of course those all-important letters written to Santa Claus.
The job description reads: “A mix of full and part time indoor sorting positions on early, late and night shifts will be available from early November through until December 23 at a number of sites across the UK.”
See all of the Royal Mail Christmas vacancies here.
M&S
The department store has a number of positions in the bakery, the cafe, on the shop floor, at the deli counter, or in the beauty section.
Marks and Spencer says: “A seasonal job is a great way to be part of the M&S team without the commitment of a permanent job.
“Both full and part-time temporary jobs are available and, with a variety of different shift patterns, there’s bound to be something to suit you.”
See all of the M&S Christmas vacancies here.
The Body Shop
The maker of all-natural creams, shower gels, hair care products and skincare is on the lookout for some helpful elves to lend a hand.
Christmas temporary workers will be responsible for serving customers on the shop floor, helping the management team reach their sales and profit targets, and offer shoppers expert advice on Body Shop products.
See all of the Body Shop Christmas vacancies here.
Beaverbrooks
The jewellery and diamond specialist is looking for people to take on 16-hour or 20-hour contracts.
Responsibilities include understanding each customer’s needs and what their price range is.
The job description reads: “We’re realistic about people’s goals.
“That’s why our sales targets are always based on the last year’s achievements.
“We let you know how well you’re doing so you can grow your skills and help grow the business. And so we can reward you properly when you do even better.”
See all the Beaverbrooks Christmas vacancies here.
GAME
The gaming specialist has vacancies for warehouse operatives and sales assistants.
Christmas sales assistants will be required to “build relationships with the store’s local gaming community to ensure loyalty and return custom” and give expert gaming knowledge to shoppers.
See all of the GAME Christmas vacancies here.
Argos
If you’re used to working in a fast-paced customer service-based role, then working at Argos might be for you.
According to the retailer Christmas is its favourite time of year.
The store says: “Our roles are varied and fast-paced. You could be serving on the tills, working on our collection counters, providing assistance on the shop floor or helping out in the stock room.
“It’s fair to say there’s never a dull moment, but what matters is that all our customers get what they want, when they want it.”
Most of the jobs up for grabs are for customer service advisors.
See all the Argos Christmas vacancies here.
Superdrug
There are temporary positions across UK stores now, and it’s likely more jobs will be added soon.
Sales advisors will work up to 16 hours per work and be paid between £6.40 and £8.35 per hour.
You will need to possess confident and clear communication skills, have a passion for retail and customer service, and a desire to learn and improve your retail and product knowledge.
See all of the Superdrug Christmas vacancies here.
Sainsbury’s
Christmas customer service providers will be expected to work up until December 31, on fixed-term contracts in most UK stores.
The supermarket is looking for “jolly, hard-working people who can learn quickly”.
Sainsbury’s is owned by Argos and job vacancies for both retailers are on the same website.
See all of the Sainsbury’s Christmas vacancies here.
Center Parcs
Jingle all the way through December in the most festive role you can apply for.
Be Santa Claus himself and help create a magical memory for children who come to visit the grotto.
The job description reads: “From the moment you step into the red suit you’ll be totally focused on the job at hand, regaling stories from the North Pole and asking children about their Christmas list.
“Whatever question they ask, you’ll ensure that the magic is sprinkled and the anticipation of Christmas Eve heightened.”
It adds: “Your confident, kind and jolly nature will be backed by the ability to say “ho, ho, ho” with plenty of enthusiasm.
“You will also need to be able to engage and build a rapport with people of all ages.
“Experience of sign language would certainly add value to your application.”
Due to the nature of the position the successful applicant will be required to undergo a disclosure and barring service (formerly CRB) check.
See all of the Center Parcs Christmas vacancies here.
Matalan
Positions for temporary retail assistants are open now.
The role includes greeting customers and providing them with product information, taking note of seasonal trends and implementing any changes on the shop floor, and working positively and collaboratively with other team members.
You will get a 20 per cent staff discount.
See all of the Matalan Christmas vacancies here.
House of Fraser
Join the seasonal sales team, in selected House of Fraser stores across the country.
Successful applicants will have relevant retailer or customer-facing experience and a desire to deliver sales targets.
See all of the House of Fraser Christmas vacancies here.
Ernest Jones
Positions for temporary Christmas jobs are open now, in selected stores across the UK.
Skills required include an interest in jewellery and watches, having a customer-first approach to working and being able to hold a conversation.
Workers will also enjoy a staff discount and sales incentives.
See all of the Ernest Jones Christmas vacancies here.
H Samuel
Part time temp job positions have contracts from 12-20 hours per week.
The role requires you to “have a passion for putting the customer first and creating memorable customer experiences”.
The job description adds: “While you may not specifically have jewellery experience, you will certainly have an interest in jewellery products and brands.
“A positive, ‘can-do’ attitude is essential, with a natural ability for striking up a conversation with a diverse range of customers.”
H Samuel is owned by the same company as Ernest Jones, the job vacancies are on the same website.
See all of the H Samuel Christmas vacancies here.
The Entertainer
Apply to be part of this year’s Christmas Crew now, there will be a day crew and a night crew at selected stores.
Day crew responsibilities include working on the shop floor, assisting shoppers, demonstrating toys and helping out on the tills.
Night crew responsibilities include refilling the shop sections and ensuring all store deliveries are completed.
See all of the Entertainer Christmas vacancies here.
Fenwick
Christmas positions include operations assistants, sales advisors, and food service assistants.
The sales advisor job has a salary of up to £10.50 per hour, and includes week and weekend work – 36.5 hours in total.
The food service assistant has the same salary but the shift patterns and working hours vary.
The Christmas operations assistant role has a 40 hours per week contract.
See all of the Fenwick Christmas vacancies here.
Fortnum and Mason
Be part of the seasonal staff at the upmarket department store.
Vacancies include waiter and waitresses, hospitality staff and sales associates.
See all of the Fortnum and Mason Christmas vacancies here.
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