Kickstart you career with a summer job and earn extra cash
THE weather is finally getting warmer – and the summer jobs market is hotting up too.
The last May Bank Holiday is the traditional time to start searching for a seasonal role, and the latest figures show there are almost 16,000 available across the UK.
Although numbers are lower than last year, there are still plenty of positions in key industries, including hospitality, cleaning, education, sports and administration.
Taking a summer position can be a great way to gain experience, get back into work, or to earn extra cash to beat the cost-of-living crisis.
Jobs board Adzuna has reported a spike in roles for catering, sales and retail, which are ideal for those who are entering work for the first time.
Co-founder Andrew Hunter explained: “For young jobseekers, summer jobs also provide valuable experience and connections, setting you up for future success.”
You can use temp work to try out a new sector. Just like Christmas employment, around one in eight summer positions leads to a permanent job offer.
Merlin Entertainments is a huge seasonal employer with hundreds of roles available at top attractions including Chessington, Alton Towers and Warwick Castle.
The jobs are open to anyone over the age of 16 with completed GCSEs and include lifeguards, housekeeping, sales and admissions, ride operators and retail assistants.
Kahera McDonald started working at the London Eye aged 21, with a summer job delivering VIP experiences, and now, at 28, is the senior ride manager.
She said: “A summer job is a starting point, and we must begin somewhere.
“Even if it is only for a short period of time, it is important to enjoy the process, be open to new experiences, learn, grow and absorb the opportunities that come your way.
“You don’t know where they could lead.
“I never thought I would be in a role like this long-term but the opportunities that I have had the privilege of experiencing and the relationships that I have built at the London Eye have truly shaped me into the person that I am today.”
You can apply for a role with Merlin at merlincareers.com.
A Department of Work and Pensions spokesman said: “Summer jobs are a brilliant first step for people into the world of work, or a stepping stone for those moving back into employment.
“If you’re keen to get stuck in this summer, go online to the Find a Job website or speak to your local Jobcentre to see what exciting options are out there.”
SIX QUICK WAYS TO START YOUR SUMMER JOB SEARCH
- Consider where you want to work. Are you looking for a job at the coast, at a major attraction or closer to home? Decide which suits you best, then tailor your search.
- Use a recruiter. Manpower.co.uk/jobs and brookstreet.co.uk/jobs are two of the UK’s top specialists in summer posts.
- Target firms likely to be hiring. Hospitality, outdoor activities, airlines and airports plus holiday parks are among the biggest seasonal employers.
- Ask locally. Nearby pubs and restaurants, care homes and summer camps will all need extra staff.
- The National Careers Service offers a very helpful guide at nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/seasonal-work.
- You can also search for roles at findajob.dwp.gov.uk/search?q=summer+seasonal.
SPRUCE UP INCOME
HOUSEHOLDERS are tidying up their pads for summer entertaining – so if you have DIY or cleaning skills, it’s a chance to make extra cash.
Local services platform Airtasker reports demand for cleaners is up 250 per cent, gardening 165 per cent and house painting requests have jumped by more than a third.
Hourly pay on the site ranges from £15 to £65, depending on the job, and you can work when it suits you.
Douglas Toy, Airtasker UK country manager, said: “With the delay in the hot weather this spring, we expect to see people planning summer spruce-ups from now until July.”
For further details about jobs available see airtasker.com/uk/earn-money.
Jobspot
GET into the coolest summer gigs for free.
E4S has almost 100 vacancies for staff to work at top summer festivals.
You can search and apply at e4s.co.uk/jobs/ 1-summer-festival-jobs.htm.
ENJOY PARK LIFE
LOVE to be beside the seaside?
Then a summer job in a holiday park could be for you.
Haven has 361 positions, including sports and Leisure Assistants, Chefs and Grounds and Garden Team Members.
A spokesman said: “If you’ve just finished School, College or Uni or just want to earn some extra cash, we have summer jobs available.”
For details, see jobs.haven.com/search.
BUTLINS has vacancies for Cleaners, Bar Managers, Funfair Team Members and Electricians.
See jobs.butlins.com.
PONTINS and sister firm BRITANNIA HOTELS is hiring Beauty Therapists, Cleaners, Bar Staff and Cafe Attendants.
Discover the full range of roles at britanniahotels.com/careers-in-hospitality.
Jobspot
SUPERCAMPS has summer roles for Lego Instructors, Camp Managers and Cookery Instructors at its kids’ venues.
Applicants must be DBS cleared.
For details, see supercamps.co.uk/ summer-camp-jobs-uk.
BAG THAT SUMMER POSITION
WITH fewer summer jobs around this year, competition will be tougher.
A spokesman from recruiters Pertemps said: “Not only is the summer a great time for garden parties, but it’s also a peak time for work.
“Many industries have a huge rise in traffic and sales over the summer holidays, meaning vacancies also increase.”
Here are the firm’s insider tips to secure the job you want.
- Start now. Companies are already searching for their summer staff so apply early.
- Be flexible. Many summer roles are temporary with changeable hours depending on demand. The greater your availability, the more likely you are to be in with a chance.
- Stand out from the crowd. Tailor each application to the specific company, thinking about the benefits you will bring to their organisation. Putting in that little extra effort is worth it.
- Search in new places. As well as job boards and recruiters, try approaching hiring managers directly on LinkedIn or find their contact details. Call companies you would like to work for and see when they are hiring. Look in newspapers and shop windows, too.
- Don’t worry if you don’t have the qualifications. Summer work is a way to get your foot in the door and learn new skills. You can draw on any element of experience – academic or practical. Apply and see what happens.