Christmas opportunities in retail

This month’s column, courtesy of the Jobcentre, focuses on the opportunities in retail that pop up for the festive period and how you can find them.

At this time of year many retailers are looking to recruit extra staff in the lead-up to Christmas. If you’re keen on getting in to retail or just looking to earn some extra cash, here are some tips to help you bag a job.

Most national retail organisation’s websites include jobs or careers portals. A simple online search using the organisation name or brand followed by the word ‘jobs’ will find these.

Careersbox website contains short videos about a number of retail organisations aimed at those aged 24 and under. By viewing these people of any age can increase their awareness and knowledge of the retail sector and better target their job search.

Some national retail organisations organise schemes that support specific circumstances. For example, organisations that seek older workers have been well publicised, and Timpson are a recognised leader in recruitment of ex-offenders.

Researching specialist websites about working in retail can provide CV hints and tips and information about core skills and behaviours required for retail roles. A simple internet search such as ‘tips for working in retail’ is a good start.

As well as listing their current vacancies many national retail organisations provide an opportunity to register an interest in working for them on the careers pages of their websites. People can demonstrate their commitment to finding jobs with these organisations by creating personal profiles, uploading their CVs and/or registering their interest to work in new stores. Often this is the first place these employers will look when new job vacancies become available.

Most national retail organisations use Twitter and Facebook to post recruitment updates and company news. People following employers on social media will benefit from information on recruitment campaigns, company insight, and will be able to demonstrate which employers they are following.

Following local Jobcentre plus Twitter accounts and the national DWP Knowledge Hub @JCPJobsPlusMore on Twitter will help you find good retail-based accounts to follow.

NB: Remember, be safe online and clean up your online personal profiles before following any potential employers.