In many areas, the demand for workers in the hospitality
industry varies significantly from season to season. Coastal locales often need
extra hands during the busy summer months, while mountain towns and ski resorts
usually seek additional staff during the fall and winter.
Because of the seasonal variation in the demand for extra
staff, many restaurants, hotels, and other properties rely on temporary workers
to fill these roles. As a result, temporary and seasonal hospitality industry
positions have long been an attractive option for younger workers, students,
retirees, working moms, those working second jobs, and nontraditional workers
looking for flexible scheduling. They are also a great way for new entrants
into the hospitality industry to get a start in the field.
But what if you want to stick around after you’ve gotten
your foot in the door? Because it’s understood that most seasonal positions are
temporary work with no promises of security and no strings attached, it can sometimes
be intimidating to try to parlay your seasonal job into a lasting role with the
company. Follow these expert recommendations to devise an action plan, and before
you know it, you might just find yourself settling into a permanent position.
Get on the Path to Permanence
Be a Student of the Organization. Learn all that you can about the property, the management team, the year-round need for staff, and any other
scrap of information that may be pertinent to your quest for a permanent role.
Not only will this help you direct your “campaign” more effectively, but it
will also set you apart from your peers among the temporary staff who may be
more complacent.
Show that You’re a Team Player. Most people underestimate the amount of attention that hiring managers pay to the concept of ‘fit,’ or the degree to
which a particular employee seems to ‘click’ with the property and the other
staff members. Fit is especially important in the hospitality industry, where
the quality of a team’s dynamics can significantly impact service quality. Make
an effort to make friends, help out fellow workers, and fit in with the team --
it could pay off when the permanent hiring decisions are made.
Demonstrate Your Flexibility. To land a permanent role in a facility that
scales back its staff when high season winds down, you have to be able to wear
more than one hat, so to speak. If you have other professional experiences --
or even personal interests -- that would be helpful in the off-season, make
them known!
Go Above and Beyond What’s Expected of You. A great way to catch the
eye of a hiring manager is to set yourself apart from the pack with
consistently outstanding performance. Dedicate yourself to excellence in even
the smallest detail of your work. Don’t be overly showy about your efforts;
this might actually work against you by annoying your supervisors. Just
cultivate and embody a great work ethic, and you’ll dramatically increase your
chances of landing a permanent role.
It’s also important to recognize that some temporary jobs
really are just temporary. Look for
clues and cues that will help you determine how realistic your chances for a
long-term role may be. If you find out there’s little or no chance for a
permanent situation, don’t despair -- you’ll find a career position eventually.
But if there’s a chance that a few year-round employees will be selected from
the seasonal staff, let your hard work, commitment, and determination shine
through -- and chances will be good that you’ll be among the chosen few.