John Lewis hiring 13,700 Christmas staff – here’s how you can land a seasonal job

If you're looking for a way to earn some extra cash over the festive season, here's some good news. John Lewis Partnership is hiring a whopping 13,700 people for Christmas roles this year.

A Christmas job is a fantastic way to get involved in the buzz of the festive season, gain valuable experience and maybe even take a step towards something more long-term.

Where are the jobs?

John Lewis Partnership includes both John Lewis department stores and Waitrose supermarkets, so there’s a wide range of opportunities to explore.

Here’s how the roles are split:

• 3,000 roles across 35 John Lewis stores
• 8,500 roles at Waitrose branches
• around 2,200 roles in warehouses and supply chain hubs

How long does the work last?

These seasonal roles usually run through the ‘golden quarter’, that’s the final three months of the year and the start of the new year, covering the Christmas rush and January sales.

It’s the busiest time of year, and John Lewis is expecting up to 30 million visitors in-store. In fact, their warehouses are likely to send out more than two deliveries per second, so it's all hands on deck.

Want a seasonal job? Here’s how to give yourself the best chance

Whether you're looking for a role yourself or know someone else who is, here are some practical tips to help you (or them) stand out.

Start looking early

Don’t wait for everyone else to start applying. Instead, get ahead of the crowd. Start your job hunt now.

Look at online job boards like Indeed and Jobsite, but also go further. Check company careers pages directly, pop into your local stores and even attend local job fairs. Sometimes, the best opportunities are advertised right in shop windows.

Be proactive

Instead of waiting for ads to appear, why not take the first step? Contact local shops, supermarkets, pubs and restaurants to ask if they’re hiring for Christmas.

Ask to speak to a manager, drop off your CV and let them know you're keen. Enthusiasm can go a long way.

Update your CV

Make sure your CV is tailored for the role you’re applying for. If you’re aiming for a position at John Lewis or Waitrose, highlight your customer service skills, teamwork and reliability.

Even if you don’t have retail experience, focus on any transferable skills, anything that shows you’re friendly, organised and ready to learn.

Show flexibility

Many businesses love hiring people who are flexible, especially over Christmas. If you’re willing to work evenings, weekends or extra hours, make that clear in your application. It could be the thing that sets you apart from other applicants.

Get interview-ready

If you get invited to an interview, do a bit of homework. Learn about the company, think about why you want the job and practice answering common interview questions.

Coming across as confident, positive and well-prepared will leave a strong impression.

Stay positive and keep trying

You might not get the first job you apply for, and that’s okay. Don’t get discouraged. Stay positive and keep applying and improving your applications.

A good attitude not only helps you stay motivated but can also shine through in interviews and conversations with employers.

So get out there, be proactive and give it your best shot. Your next opportunity could be just around the corner.