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Turning a holiday job into a career

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:03

“‘tis the season to be jolly fa la la…” Unemployed, feel like you have nothing to be jolly about this holiday season? According to Kelly, South Africa’s leading talent management organisation Christmas time is a hotbed for temporary employment and not only in the retail industry as you may have thought.

Kelly Chief Operation Officer, Gayleen Baxter says, “As we reach the end of the year, many industries find themselves busier than ever before and whilst some companies still close their doors mid-December, many can’t afford to".

"The majority of employees however, still take their annual leave in December and January and as a result companies are forced to call in temporary help.”

Unfortunately these jobs are rarely permanent and temporary assignments often finish at the end of the rush or when full-time employees return from the sandy beaches of Durban and Cape Town. “If it’s a permanent job that you’re after, don’t be discouraged, there are ways to secure that job”, says Baxter.

Baxter adds that another option to seriously consider is permanent flexi (temporary) work. “The staffing industry has seen a complete shift of mindset in terms of temporary employment. In fact it is not uncommon for flexi workers to make a career out of flexible, part-time work. After all, recruitment agencies such as Kelly, offer the same or similar benefits that companies offer their permanent staff making permanent flexi work an attractive option".

However if your holiday job is just a one-time thing and you need a job with stability coupled with an opportunity to move up the corporate ladder, Baxter suggests that you earnestly seek out to prove your value to the company in the short term and they will inevitably see your long term potential!

She also offers the following tips to ensure that you have the best chance at turning your Christmas job into a career:

• Have a positive attitude: A positive attitude is the very first step to bagging that permanent position. Your ability to exude confidence, excellence and unrivalled optimism is what will truly make you stand out from the rest.

• Be reliable: Don’t clock-watch. Arrive early and leave later, even if it’s only 15 minutes. Your employer will note your respect for company time. When taking lunch breaks, advise your boss and be back with time to spare. Work all the hours that you have agreed to and more!

• Volunteer: Be the first to volunteer for all tasks as this will show your commitment and enthusiasm to learn all aspects of the business. Take careful note of everything; the quicker you ‘learn the ropes’ the quicker you will adapt to the new culture.

• Speak up: Voice your opinion when you are asked. Bring your new ideas to the fore; don’t let valuable opportunities slip by. If you have something important to add, do so!

• Keep a cool head: Demonstrate a cool head in busy, stressful periods. Be slow to anger and prove that you can work well under pressure.

• Make your need known: Advise your supervisor or boss that you are looking for a permanent position however don’t keep reminding him/her as you may be seen as painful!

• Prove that you are indispensable: Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability, go the extra mile and prove to your supervisor or boss that you are ‘top talent’ that they can not do without.

Baxter concludes, “turning a part-time holiday job into a full-time job isn't easy, especially in a country where jobs are scarce. But with Kelly, a positive attitude, effort, and a little luck, you can do it!

For more information on a branch closest to you, job seekers can contact Kelly headoffice 011 722 8300, or visit the website: www.kelly.co.za.