Table of Contents

1. Prove Your Reliability
2. Be Cheery
3. Do More Than the Minimum
4. Connect With the Team
5. Talk to Your Manager
6. Finish Strong

Almost every business in hospitality offers holiday jobs—with the end-of-the-year shopping and travel spike, they need seasonal employees who can help them meet the extra demand.

There are a ton of benefits to these short-term jobs. You can gain more experience, pick up some extra income, and learn more about a specific company. But for many seasonal hires, the best outcome of all is being promoted to a full-time position.

Check out our six tips for making that happen.

1. Prove Your Reliability

Managers really value the employees that consistently show up and do their job without any reminders or warnings. If you show up on time (or earlier!) every single day, your supervisor will notice.

2. Be Cheery

Many of your co-workers will act anxious, stressed, tense, tired, or unhappy. This is understandable—the holiday season is super stressful and busy, and it’s hard to keep a smile on your face (especially when there’s no customer in sight). However, make an effort to be positive, whether you’re with customers or your colleagues. This upbeat attitude will make you stand out.

3. Do More Than the Minimum

By going above and beyond, you’ll show your manager that you care about the job for more than just the paycheck. Your opportunities to take on more work will vary depending on the job and the company; consider volunteering to help full-time employees with their projects, organizing office events, staying late, and so on.

4. Connect With the Team

If you can integrate yourself with the full-time employees, you’ll demonstrate that you’re a natural fit. This isn’t always an easy task—they’ll already know each other and have established groups. Yet with some extra effort, it’s doable. Find out if there are any employee clubs, social events, and activities, and join them if they exist (even if you’re not interested in the theme). You should also be friendly and outgoing, which will help you form friendships. Finally, do your best to act compatibly with the workplace culture.

5. Talk to Your Manager

Most of the techniques on this list involve showing your employer that you’re ready for the leap to a permanent position. However, you should also tell them—if you don’t, how will they know you’re interested? We recommend keeping a running list of your workplace achievements. Halfway through your contract, schedule an appointment with your manager to “discuss opportunities for continuing employment.” During this meeting, use the list you’ve made as proof that you’re a great asset to the team. In addition, bring up the skills you own that are valuable to the role.

6. Finish Strong

Even if your manager tells you there aren’t any open positions for full-time staff, don’t get discouraged or let your performance slide. The hospitality industry experiences a lot of turnover, which means it’s very possible more jobs will become available. If you continue to work hard, your supervisor will have increased confidence in your abilities and character. Plus, you never know if your manager will refer you to another business or hire you themselves a few months down the line.