Table of Contents

1. Show dependability
2. Go the extra mile
3. Shine bright
4. Speak up
5. Be sure to send the hiring manager a thank you note
6. Be as flexible as possible
7. Have a plan B

Congratulations on landing a seasonal job in the hotel industry! You should be applauded for taking the initiative to earn some extra cash during the holiday season through some extra hard work. You’re also gaining some valuable experience that could easily be leveraged going forward if you’re interested in a full-time job or even a long-term career in hospitality. But to do that, you’ll want to follow these seven tips for turning a seasonal job in the hotel business into a career with longevity.

Show dependability. If you’re thinking that there’s even a possibility of turning your seasonal position into full-time work, arrive exactly when your shift starts, if not a few minutes before, carry out all of your responsibilities to the letter – every day – and leave when your shift ends and not a moment before. The company will need to see that you are reliable and diligent before considering you for any future positions.

Go the extra mile. Not only should you do the tasks assigned to you under your seasonal work contract, but if and when the opportunity arises to assist with other projects, jump on it. First and foremost, these additional tasks may give you the opportunity to accumulate more hours or even overtime. Secondly, signing on for the added work can help to cast you in an even more positive light with the company.

Shine bright. Make it your business to learn the names of your supervisors and coworkers in the first few days of work. Then make sure they know that you’re friendly, a hard worker, and a team player. If your colleagues respect you and like working with you, it will help your chances of turning the seasonal position into full-time work.

Speak up. If you don’t vocalize your interest in continued work with the company, they’re not likely to ask or to read your mind. So make it known to your superiors and/or to the hiring manager that you would be interested in staying on in the long term after the season ends. Otherwise, you could be passed over for potential opportunities because other seasonal coworkers spoke up when you didn’t.

Be sure to send the hiring manager a thank you. Seasonal workers can, unfortunately, feel disposable. You’ve jumped through the interview hoops, completed a multi-week contract, been paid accordingly and now, you’ll be lucky if your permanent coworkers fondly talk about your hard work in the next seasonal hiring period. So to underscore just what a stand-out you really are, email the hiring manager a thank you note after your first day or first week on the job and tell him or her how much you enjoyed meeting with them, how much you’re enjoying the position and that you hope to have occasion to work with him or her again in the future. The seasonal work may turn out to be a nightmare, but you’ll want to keep your options open.

Be as flexible as possible. Know that if you are absolutely rigid in your scheduling arrangements with a seasonal position, you are the least liked employee on staff. But if you are willing to adapt to schedule changes, even at the last minute, you’ll be a hero to both the scheduling manager and the staff who benefit from your willingness to lend a hand. Employers will take this as a sign of your flexibility going forward and even if you have other obligations post-seasonal work, they can be discussed if and when the opportunity for a full-time job arises. In the meantime, be open to all of the hours that are offered to you. You never know if irregular hours might pay more or if you’ll have the chance to accumulate over time.

Have a Plan B. Despite your best efforts, you may not achieve the full-time that you’d hoped for and it may be through no fault of your own; the company may simply not have the budget to bring on additional full-time staff at the end of the seasonal period. But don’t despair. Instead, consider how you can leverage the seasonal experience that you’ve now gained. Did you acquire any new skills or build upon any previous work experience that you may have had? Would the supervisor or hiring manager be willing to give you a reference? Do they know of any other companies in the area that are hiring and where you might be a fit? Don’t hesitate to ask because it won’t cost you anything and you have nothing to lose.