These are short-term roles that major retailers, delivery services, and hospitality businesses offer during the busy festive Christmas season.
Peak hiring and applications usually begin in September and may run through to February. Shifts frequently include weekends and late-night trading hours.
Casual rates are typically higher than regular part-time pay to make up for a lack of paid sick leave or holiday leave. Rates for roles like parcel sorting often start above $35 per hour for adults, plus superannuation.
Major fashion and homeware shops such as Myer, Cotton On, Peter Alexander, and JB Hi-Fi, routinely hire seasonal sales assistants. It can also be away into a longer, more permanent career.
Australia Post hires thousands of seasonal mail and parcel sorters, drivers, and warehouse staff starting around September and October.
Applicants with a valid forklift or truck licence are at the top of Australia Post’s wish list, with seasonal casual roles available for freight handlers and parcel processors.
Local hotels, restaurants, and event decorating teams seek extra hands for end-of-year functions.
Most roles will be in retail and hospitality, so try to focus your search there. Larger retailers, such as Myer, H&M, JB Hi-Fi, Woolworths Group, Coles Group and Rebel Sport, often have their own job application portals on their websites.
Also check out:
Prouds, Shiels, Haighs, Bed Bath N’ Table, Spotlight, Sports Power, Portmans, Jay Jays, Ralph Lauren, Nestle, The Good Guys, David Jones, the Sunglass Hut, Lovisa, The Just Group, The Reject Shop and Angus & Coote.
Job sites such as Indeed, Seek and Jora are other great places to check out. Ask your friends and family too.
Your application is the first impression your potential employer will get of you. Don’t use AI as the personal touch your selling point.
Many jobs will also ask you to provide a cover letter. It’s an opportunity to introduce yourself to your potential employer and share a bit about yourself. What are your selling points for the job?
When you get to the interview, it’s natural to feel a bit nervous. Be upbeat and positive.
Remember employers want good staff as much as you want the job.