Best Christmas Temp Jobs, By Personality Type
Holiday decorations in the neighborhood? Smell of pine in the air? It can only mean one thing...a bit more activity in the job market!
The holidays are a particularly busy time for businesses, and with that comes the need for extra help. Whether you're a college student looking to earn some extra cash during winter break or a job hunter needing a line on your resume, there are plenty of temporary job opportunities during the holiday season.
But how do you know which one is right for you? Since seasonal jobs are temporary, you might think that it doesn't really matter which one you pick. However, choosing a job that aligns with your personality and interests can make all the difference in your experience and potential for success. So let's take a look at some of the best Christmas temp for different personality types.
Jobs in Retail
The infamous Black Friday sales and December shopping frenzy means that many retail stores need more hands on deck during the holidays. Retail is a bit like a pressure cooker at this time of year, so if you're someone who thrives under pressure, enjoys a fast-paced environment AND can keep your cool when customers are stressed, then a retail job could be perfect for you. Be prepared for long hours and a lot of standing, but the opportunity for commission-based or incentive pay can make it all worth it.
Best for: ESFJ, ESTP, ESFP, ISFJ (if you can handle the pressure).
Why? All of these types are known for their people skills and enthusiasm - all important traits when working in retail. ESTPs are often thought of as the consummate salesperson. Their energy and quick-thinking make them well-suited for the holiday retail rush, as long as they can rein in their blunt honesty!
Customer Service Jobs
If you love interacting with people but prefer a more low-key environment than retail, then customer service jobs might be a better fit. During the holiday season, many companies need extra help to manage higher call volumes, returns and exchanges. This job requires strong communication skills and patience, but it can also be rewarding to help customers and brighten their day.
Best for: ENFJ, INFJ, INFP, ISFP, INTP (especially if it's technical support).
Why? These types are able to meet customers where they are at and problem solve in a calm and empathetic manner - or at least charm them into feeling better (ISFP)! They may struggle with the formulaic nature of customer service, but it's only for a few weeks, and your natural warmth will see you through.
Jobs in Hospitality
As families gather for the holidays, there is an increased demand for hospitality services such as hotels, restaurants and event venues. If you enjoy working with people and can deliver fast, cheery service, these types of jobs may be a good fit for you. A big benefit of working front-of-house in hospitality is the tips which can be more generous during the holiday season. Behind the scenes, there may be opportunities in catering, cleaning or event set-up.
Best for: Front-of-house (food service, bar staff, ticket agents, event staff etc): ESFP, ESFJ, ENFP. Back-of-house (kitchen staff, runners, housekeeping) might be better suited to those who can troubleshoot independently and just get on with things without the constant need for social interaction, like ISTJs, INTJs and ISTPs. If event or team management roles are up for grabs, then ESTJs, ENTJs and ENTPs will be all in.
Jobs in Delivery and Logistics
Delivery and logistics workers are the unsung heroes of the holiday season. Packages, gifts and online orders need to be delivered on time and without any hitches. If you enjoy working independently, are fast and accurate in your work, and have good physical stamina, these jobs are worth considering. They can be monotonous so you must be able to stay focused and motivated.
Why? These personality types draw their motivation from within and are able to keep going regardless of how busy or repetitive the work is.
Jobs in Production
Some of the most iconic symbols of the holiday season - from candy canes to Christmas trees - are created in production and manufacturing jobs. If you enjoy working with your hands, have good coordination and don't mind repetitive tasks, these jobs may be a good fit for you. They often require standing for long periods of time, but they can also provide a sense of accomplishment as you see the finished products being enjoyed by others.
Why? These types are often drawn to hands-on, practical work and have good spatial reasoning skills. They may struggle with the monotony of repetitive tasks, but their ability to stay focused on the task at hand will help them succeed in this type of job.
Quirky Holiday Jobs
If none of the traditional seasonal jobs seem like a good fit for you, don't worry - there are plenty of unique and unconventional holiday jobs out there: dressing up as Santa, calligraphy for holiday cards, decorating homes or businesses with holiday lights, and even being a professional gift wrapper. These jobs require creativity, attention to detail and a willingness to embrace the spirit of the season.
Best for: Anyone, but a special shout out to ENFP, ISFP, and INFP.
Why? These types are imaginative and enjoy expressing themselves through creative means. They also have difficulty with structure and hate working under pressure, so these quirky holiday jobs offer the perfect opportunity to let their creativity and free-spirit shine. Plus, they'll be able to spread holiday cheer with their infectious enthusiasm!
