Christmas job can be a gift for life . . .

A CHRISTMAS job could be the start of a career.

Nick Burrows got one at nationwide cycling and motoring retailer Halfords in Leek, Staffordshire, in 2017. Now he is a full-time customer service adviser at the store.

Nick says: ‘I’m passionate about cars and I cycle, so it seemed a good fit. I could develop my interpersonal skills, and they offered training for practical tasks.

‘The run-up to Christmas was busy. The role was varied, fitting headlight bulbs, advising on dash cams and helping families pick bikes.’

Often you can get Christmas jobs with less experience than for a permanent role — but it can be a baptism of fire, because you are covering the Christmas rush.

Typically, employers offer the best Christmas temps permanent jobs. Nick made sure he was at the top of the list.

‘I showed willing,’ he says. ‘Having an interest in your chosen field helps. In retail you want customers to return, so making sure they leave Riding high: Nick happy is important.’ Andy McBride, Halfords’ head of resourcing and people, says: ‘We have 350 roles open and are looking for people with a “can-do” attitude.

‘Seasonal colleagues may be considered for permanent roles.’ (See halfordscareers.com).

Retailers looking for Christmas staff include: The Perfume Shop, with 800 sales, warehouse and customer service roles; Superdrug, looking for more than 900 temps; Boots; Debenhams; HMV; Ernest Jones and H Samuel. There are also jobs in bars, coffee shops, restaurants and delivery, such as Royal Mail ( see angard staffing.co.uk).

Visittotaljobs.com, indeed.co.uk.