Warm weather is here, and that means it’s time for summer jobs!
You might think these jobs are only for students, like those in university or high school. But actually, anyone can do them, even if you’re still learning English or don’t have special training.
If you’re an International student or new to Canada, summer jobs are a great way to gain work experience and network. In this blog post, we’ll talk about what seasonal/summer jobs are, the benefits and give you tips on how to find one.
What does a job mean when it says “seasonal?
A “seasonal” job means that it is temporary and only available during certain times of the year, often a specific season or period of increased demand. For example, in Canada, seasonal jobs might include positions in industries such as tourism, retail (during the holiday shopping season), landscaping, or the construction industry.
Businesses offer seasonal jobs during their busiest times of the year, known as peak seasons. During these times, companies need extra help to handle the increased workload. So, they hire additional staff, often called seasonal employees.
These are temporary jobs that only last for a specific period, such as a few months during the summer or winter holidays. Seasonal work can vary in duration from weeks to months, depending on the nature of the job and the demands of the season. Seasonal jobs provide valuable opportunities for people to gain work experience, earn extra cash, and network with employers.Â
Many seasonal roles often turn into permanent roles and/or full-time positions.
Employers may use this temporary employment as a way to see if someone is a good fit for the company. If a seasonal employee performs well, the employer may offer them a permanent job once the busy season is over. So, don’t overlook seasonal opportunities – they can help you get closer to your long-term career goals.
What are the advantages of being a seasonal worker?
Seasonal jobs provide a fantastic opportunity for individuals to learn new skills and gain valuable experience. They are also a great way to network and make connections. By working alongside full-time employees and interacting with customers, seasonal workers can build relationships that may lead to permanent job offers in the future.
To summarize, there are several advantages to being a seasonal worker:
- Flexibility: Seasonal jobs often offer flexible scheduling, allowing workers to choose positions that fit their availability or other commitments (childcare or a second job, for example).
- Seasonal demand: Some industries experience seasonal peaks in demand during specific times of the year. For example, tourism, agriculture, retail (during the holiday season), and hospitality industries often need extra hands during busy seasons. This is an excellent time to earn income and gain valuable work experience.
- Entry-level opportunities:Â Seasonal jobs are often entry-level positions that do not require much experience or specialized skills. This makes them accessible to people who may be new to the workforce or have low English skills.
- Networking:Â Seasonal jobs provide opportunities to network with employers and colleagues in various industries. Building relationships during a seasonal position can lead to future job opportunities, referrals, or even full-time employment if employers are impressed with your work ethic and performance.
- Build your resume: Don’t look at a temporary seasonal job as a dead end. Consider it a stepping stone instead! Be conscious of new skills you can add to your resume, and remember a seasonal job can fill a time gap in your resume while you look for something in your field or for a more permanent position.
Why consider seasonal jobs?
- Better chance of employment: With fewer applicants for temporary positions, your odds of securing a job are higher.
- Exploration of different roles:Â Seasonal jobs allow you to experience various roles and industries. Trying out different jobs can help you discover your interests and strengths, as well as find a career path that best fits your goals.
- Potential for permanent employment: Impress your employer with your work ethic and skills, and you may be offered a permanent position beyond the summer!
- Easier access:Â Many companies (especially in hospitality and retail) hire a large number of staff for the summer season. They may be more willing to hire workers with limited experience, low English skills, offering a chance to gain entry-level employment and valuable skills.
- Skill development:Â Summer jobs offer more than just a paycheque. You’ll develop skills such as communication, organization, teamwork, customer service and problem-solving. Plus, it’s an excellent way to improve language skills and gain experience in a real-world setting.
- Networking & References: If you are new to Canada you will need to find some Canadian references, this is a great way to get some.
Tips and tricks for your summer job search
- Ask for help:Â Connect with local resources to refine your application and practice your interview skills. For newcomers to Canada, understanding the hidden “rules and expectations” of the job market is crucial for success.
- Apply, apply, apply: Apply widely and frequently. Increasing the number of job applications boosts your chances of landing a job. It’s often a numbers game, so keep sending out those resumes.
- Be Willing to work outside Cities:Â Explore opportunities beyond your current city, whether it’s for the summer or as a permanent move. Northern and rural regions of Canada often face staffing challenges, presenting openings for motivated job seekers.
- Tap into networks: Reach out to friends who are currently employed or knowledgeable about job openings. They may offer insights, recommendations, or serve as references. Remember: sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know.
- Be flexible: If you make yourself available to work any shift or day of the week, your application will be more attractive than others who have more restrictions on when they can or are willing to work. If you are up for anything, that says a lot about the kind of employee you would be.
- Take it seriously: Put effort into your resume and application documents. Dress appropriately for your interview. Be sure to put in your full effort on the first day and every day you are scheduled to work. This will increase your chances of landing a full-time job (or asked to return the next busy season!) with the employer. Sometimes people think a temporary job means you don’t have to take it as seriously.
- Check your online presence: There is a good chance that employers will do a quick Google search of job applicants, even for part-time employees. If you have a LinkedIn account, make sure it is up to date. And, make sure any social media pages that a future employer might find will not give them a negative impression of you.
Resources
If you are in Manitoba here are some places to look for support when applying for jobs (please note these are just a few, there are many others):
Winnipeg
Interlake and Eastman
Southern Manitoba
Northern Manitoba
Parkland
Westman
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Whether you were born here, or just moved here, it can be frustrating to look for a job. It can be even more frustrating to go to interviews, not get hired and have no idea why. Read on to learn more!
