December brings excitement, joy, and the chance to create special moments for yourself and your loved ones. Perhaps you need extra budget for gifts, or you’ve realized the holiday season is more expensive than expected. If you have the flexibility to take on seasonal work or start a new career path, now is the perfect time.
The holiday season brings notable shifts in the labor market. In 2025, searches for Christmas jobs increased by nearly 30%, reaching the highest level in the past nine years, according to an analysis by Indeed published by Spotlight Data. Companies are offering over 1,500 seasonal positions during this period (listed on job platforms; the exact number varies by source and search timing). These roles are concentrated primarily in retail, hospitality, and tourism but can also be found in sectors such as food services and entertainment. Explore seasonal job opportunities and find the position that fits you! Choose the role that brings you joy and gives you the chance to spread goodwill, empathy, and patience in return.
Domains with the Highest Demand for Seasonal Jobs
Retail
Retail seems to capture the true pulse of the season. Stores need staff for sales, product arrangement, customer assistance, cashiering, and perhaps the most rewarding task of all: gift wrapping. No extensive experience is required, but availability, patience, and empathy are essential. A kind word or a genuine smile can transform a last-minute customer’s shopping experience.
Logistica
If retail is the bright face of Christmas, logistics is the engine behind it. In warehouses, sorting centers, and supply areas, everything moves at a fast pace in December. Stock arrives, is organized, and shipped onward. This work is physically demanding yet crucial—and punctual, reliable workers are highly valued.
Hospitality & Events
Christmas markets, festive cafés, and corporate year-end events all need people who can bring energy and warmth. If you are energetic, sociable, and enjoy working with the public, this sector offers many suitable opportunities. Jobs may involve long hours or flexible schedules but come with music, lights, and the feeling of being part of a story.
Jobs may involve long hours or flexible schedules but come with music, lights, and the feeling of being part of a story.
E-Commerce
With online shopping booming, digital stores need staff to manage orders, assist customers, and pack parcels. If you enjoy organized work or have strong written communication skills, this is a sector where you can enter quickly.
How to Stand Out for Seasonal Jobs, Even Without Experience
Employers hiring for the Christmas season look for people who can handle busy periods with calm and a positive attitude.
Ways to differentiate yourself:
- Show flexibility — it’s the superpower of the season.
- Emphasize your attitude: people remember the emotion of an interaction, not just a CV.
- Prove fast learning — many seasonal roles rely on brief training sessions.
- Highlight any relevant experience, including volunteering or short-term jobs.
- Apply early to increase your chances of securing the role.
Seasonal Job Opportunities You Can Apply for Now
Santa Claus / Santa’s Helper
Requirements:
- Strong communication skills, calm and patient demeanor
- Ability to interact with children empathetically and playfully
- Availability during peak periods (weekends, evenings, December 1–24)
- Previous experience is a plus but not mandatory
How to stand out:
- Record a short introduction video with your special greeting
- Highlight experience working with children (animator, volunteer, afterschool, camps, etc.)
- Mention your ability to memorize names or stories/jokes quickly
- Show comfort in wearing a costume, including indoors at warmer temperatures
Supermarket Cashier
Requirements:
- Speed in operating the cash register
- Friendliness
- Patience during peak periods
How to stand out:
- Mention POS or cashier experience
- Demonstrate calmness and efficiency under pressure
Warehouse Operative (Smartemp Role)
Requirements:
- Responsibility and reliability
- Physical Condition
- Attention to detail
- Team spirit and adherence to procedures
- Experience in warehousing/food processing is a plus
- Fixed schedule availability
How to stand out:
- Highlight punctuality and discipline
- Show interest in physical work
- Mention previous warehouse/logistics experience or willingness to learn
Remote Sales Operator (Smartemp Role)
Requirements:
- Adaptability and positive attitude
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Empathy and active listening
- Problem-solving skills
- Goal-oriented motivation
- High school diploma, good PC skills
- Relevant experience is a plus
How to stand out:
- Record a warm, professional voice message
- Give examples of personalized customer solutions
- Mention experience in sales, call centers, telecom, or technical support
- Highlight enjoyment of remote work and self-discipline
- Emphasize fast adaptability
Gift Wrapper
Requirements:
- Dexterity and attention to detail
- Patience and steady rhythm
- Ability to maintain a steady pace
- Pleasant presence
How to stand out:
- Provide examples (photos of your wrapped gifts)
- Show creativity in material use
- Show warmth and empathy — be the calm in a stressed environment
- Punctuality is highly valued
Christmas Decoration Merchandiser
Requirements:
- Organizational skills and aesthetic sense
- Attention to spaces and decors
- Physical availability
How to stand out:
- Mention previous merchandising experience
- Send a photo portfolio
Christmas Market Barista
Requirements:
- Minimal experience in coffee preparation or willingness to learn quickly
- Attention to detail
- Friendly attitude
How to stand out:
- Demonstrate ability to prepare basic drinks
- Show energy and enthusiasm, as the overall atmosphere is key.
Kitchen Assistant / Fast-Food Worker
Requirements:
- Speed
- Tolerance for high temperatures
- Strict hygiene
How to stand out:
- Show teamwork skills
- Highlight similar past roles
Waiter / Bartender at Corporate Events
Requirements:
- Friendliness, communication skills, elegant appearance
- Basic service knowledge
- Evening/weekend availability
How to stand out:
- Show ability to serve multiple guests efficiently
- Mention any HoReCa training
A temporary job can mean extra income, learning experiences, grateful customers, and stories to tell with a smile. If approached as a real opportunity rather than just a quick fix, it can even become the start of a professional path. Many seasonal employees receive permanent job offers after the holidays due to their engagement. If you’re thinking about seeking a temporary job, now is the best time. On cariere.smartemp.ro you can find opportunities in telecom, sales, logistics, automotive, and some remote or hybrid roles.
Turn to Smartemp for Career Counseling and Job Recommendations
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain before an interview or to have questions. In these moments, support from a specialized recruitment and career counseling team can make all the difference.
Smartemp has 13 years of experience in the Romanian human resources market, specializing in both recruitment and employee transition support. Smartemp can help you:
- Identify real job opportunities aligned with your profile and salary expectations;
- Craft a competitive CV tailored to current employer requirements;
- Practice job interviews to boost confidence and improve your chances of success;
- Explore new fields where your skills may be transferable if you’re considering a career change.
Smartemp’s recruitment expertise comes from ongoing collaboration with companies across diverse industries – IT, call centers, telecom, healthcare, and education. This network can give you direct access to job opportunities not always posted on public recruitment platforms. acces direct la joburi care nu apar intotdeauna pe platformele publice de recrutare.
Smartemp is a reliable career partner, no matter what stage you’re in.
Write to us at: recrutare@smartemp.ro
Read also:
How to Stand Out When Competition Is High for a Temporary Job
Why Recruiters Ignore Your CV — and What You Can Do to Get Noticed in the First 7 Seconds