Seasonal jobs are a great way to make some extra money at certain times of the year. These jobs are great when you want to keep earning money but also want to take a break from your regular, full-time work. The work that you do can add to your experience, and you may also include them in your resume.
Contrary to popular belief, seasonal jobs provide you with some good opportunities, and you can also use them as a stepping stone to gaining full-time employment.
The best thing about seasonal jobs is that they are available at the same time every year, so you have an opportunity to plan in advance about the kind of jobs you want to take up. Most of these jobs depend on the demand of the season and can hence last for a few weeks to a few months. However, for the duration you are employed, you will have a most satisfying experience because it keeps you busy.
If you are looking for short-term employment opportunities, opting for seasonal jobs can be a wise decision. You will reap the benefits not only in terms of money but also in experience. Here are some things you need to know before taking up seasonal jobs.
Bonus Read: 18 Best Websites for Remote Jobs.
How Many Work Hours do You Put in Seasonal Jobs?
The number of hours you need to put in seasonal jobs depends entirely on the nature of the job and the need of the hour. For example, you might be working as a guide during the holiday season and giving a tour of your favorite spots and Christmas traditions in your hometown.
Now, although you won’t be expected to work 40 hours a week, you still might have to put in extra hours during the Christmas week, when the season is at its peak. Or, you could be asked to work full time as an accountant during the tax filing season, but for two months only.
Work hours in seasonal jobs can fluctuate according to the demand, and it comprises short bursts of intense work when demand is high.
Some seasonal jobs might also require you to work shifts, so you must be particular about your timings and let your employers know about your availability.
However, you can expect steady and consistent work during the peak time of the job that is rewarding both in terms of money and engagement. Although seasonal jobs are not full-time, you could be extended an offer to work full-time if your employers are impressed with your performance.
On the other hand, some seasonal work might require you to come only for a couple of hours for some days a week, leaving you to engage in other productive pursuits for the rest of the time.
Can You Include Seasonal Work on Your Resume?
Yes, unless you have worked for less than two weeks at your seasonal job, you can include it on your resume. If you have previously held multiple seasonal employment, you can tailor your resume and include the ones most suitable for the position you are applying for.
For example, suppose you are applying for a role in the event management segment. In that case, you can include in your resume that you were in charge of organizing your community’s charity drive every year during Easter. Or, if you are applying for a role in the fashion industry, you can talk about your experience working as an assistant in an apparel store that has given you an insight into what consumers with different body types want. Adding seasonal jobs like summer jobs can be very fruitful if you have freshly graduated.
Bonus Read: The Best Resume Examples That Will Get You Hired in 2022.
Difference Between Seasonal Jobs and Part-Time Jobs
Both seasonal and part-time jobs have fewer work hours compared to full-time employment. However, as mentioned earlier, seasonal positions are available only at certain times of the year.
Part-time jobs can be done throughout the year and have more benefits than seasonal jobs. You might work at the local library for 20 hours a week throughout the year, and it has some security in terms of employment. Employers of seasonal jobs will hire you only when their services are in high demand and at certain times of the year. They usually do not last for more than two months. Part-time employees retain their jobs for more extended periods.
Benefits of Seasonal Jobs
Seasonal jobs might sound erratic, but they have their share of advantages. You will be amazed to know that various people keep themselves employed throughout the year with several types of seasonal jobs. It adds variety and keeps monotony at bay. They also make money while they may be pursuing a more creative passion that does not pay highly at the moment. Here are some of the benefits.
Build Your Resume
For novices, seasonal jobs can provide an excellent opportunity for building your resume. You can show that you not only have the theoretical knowledge about your field but also have the necessary hands-on experience. You will have the edge over candidates who do not have any experience at all.
On the other hand, just in case you are in-between jobs, seasonal jobs can help you fill the gaps on your resume. You can list them to show you have a different experience. It shows that although you were not employed full-time, you were still working, showing your zeal as a hard-working candidate. You won’t have to explain what you were doing for six months in between your two full-time jobs a year back.
Experience for New Jobs
Seasonal jobs are a great way to figure out if you are cut out for a job and whether you would like doing it or not before applying for a full-time position. This is especially important when you are new to an industry or switching to a new one from another sector. Seasonal jobs allow you to experiment.
You can try out the job for a couple of months, and if you feel you are good at it or it is as satisfying as you expected, you can start applying for full-time positions. You can include this in your resume when you use it for full-time positions, as it will reflect that you have acquired some experience in the field related to the position.
Also Read: Things You Need To Do In Your First Week At A New Job.
Stepping Stone to Full-Time Employment
Seasonal jobs can be your stepping stone to full-time employment. Some employers might only offer you a seasonal job at first, but once they see you perform well, they can also provide you with a full-time position at a later date. They might even ask you to stay on even after the season ends.
Moreover, while you are at the job, you will get to make several new contacts, and it will open up new doors of opportunities for you. Your employer might refer you to someone else who is looking for permanent employees. Hence, seasonal jobs can act as a beautiful stepping stone and be an excellent networking source.
Enjoy Flexible Schedules
Depending on the nature of your job, you can enjoy flexible schedules while employed in seasonal employment. Full-time positions can be very rigid regarding timings, and there might be a point in your life when you want to take it easy and go with the flow.
Seasonal jobs are less binding and give you plenty of opportunities to explore your options. You can work according to your timings by chalking out a schedule with your employer. You are free to use the rest of your time as you wish, and you can also work your preferred shifts.
Earning Extra Income
Perhaps the most significant benefit of working seasonal jobs is that you can earn enough extra cash in a short span of time. Since seasonal jobs often require employees during peak seasons, employers are willing to pay well to anyone willing to handle the extra workload. This is an excellent opportunity for students or those in between jobs and looking to make money.
Yes, seasonal jobs will pay less than regular, full-time jobs. But it is still worth it. Moreover, many employers also give discounts and other perks to their employees as rewards for handling the extra pressure.
Conclusion
If you are willing to make the most of your opportunity, then seasonal jobs can be very beneficial for you. Yes, it does not carry any benefits, and the working hours can be a bit erratic, depending on the workload and the demand of the season. Even so, the pros far outweigh the cons.
You need to figure out which kind of season suits you the best. You will acquire several new skills while on the job, which will be useful when you seek full-time employment. If you find something you like, you might go on to receive specialized training and go on to make a career out of it.
You will meet new people and make new friends, and you will have something to go back to every season to make some extra money. So go ahead and try it, and all will be well.
