Temping is not just for Christmas

Taking on a Christmas temp role may not only be the answer to your short term dilemma: it could get your foot in the door, and lead to a permanent role. Despite the recession, lots of companies are starting to look for temp staff for their seasonal vacancies and they need people like YOU.

Christmas jobs have come early this year

Customer care advisor roles, sales assistant roles, telesales roles, Data Entry Clerks, Elves, and Santas, to name but a few.....Both full time and permanent positions are already being advertised. Have you heard about Royal Mail recruiting 30,000 additional staff? Get your CV at the ready and take a look here for other companies currently on the look out for Christmas staff.

From timely temp to essential employee

Make sure you're more than just a filler. Show your boss how fantastic and productive you are and make them wonder what they did before you came along to help out. 

If you're happy with the culture and the role itself, tell your boss that you are keen to be a permanent member of staff should the opportunity arise. As my mum always tell me, "if you don't ask then you won't get." Bless her... 

Don't forget the basics

Never underestimate the importance of getting the basics right. Get these right and they won't want to see you go:

·         Punctuality - Do not be late! In fact, try and arrive a little early.

·         Reliability - If you say you are going to do something, then do it! First impressions really count and building trust is crucial in a new role.

·         Accountability - Take responsibility for the area and tasks you've been given to work on. If you aren't sure about something, then ask. Your employer will appreciate that you haven't sat in silence twiddling your thumbs and instead had the confidence to get the information you need.

Going the extra mile

Show what is known in the world of organisational psychology as 'organisational citizen work behaviours'.

These are behavioural traits that are beneficial to an organisation and they're all about going the extra mile.  You probably won't find them written explicitly in a job specification but they are regarded by some career theorists as contributing towards team work and will therefore impact greatly on the overall organisation. So go beyond the call of duty and show a few of these:

·         Altruism - Helping a colleague or boss out, for no extra reward in your pay packet, can pay dividends in the long term. Can you step up if needed to, even though you are snowed under with work already? .

·         Courtesy - Be polite to your co-workers. If you're inclined to ignore folk as you walk into the workplace - don't! Say good morning, ask how they are...

·         Conscientiousness - Care about your work; do an extraordinary and exceptional job.

You don't need a complicated strategy to get ahead. These positive and pro-social behaviours are easy to implement.

Getting a Christmas job at a time when everyone needs the extra cash is a chance that comes once a year. Make sure you make it works for you.