How a Christmas Job Can Lead to a 2026 Career

Colder weather, darker nights and longer days are upon us and so is one of the busiest hiring periods of the year. Christmas positions are more than just a means to earn a bit more cash for some gifts; they are a great way to gain experience and set you up for a longer-term career. 

If you’re a student, considering a career path change, or perhaps just looking to getting back into work, here’s how a temporary Christmas position could potentially lead you onto a new career route.  

Developing New and Transferable Skills 

Christmas positions focus on gaining real work experience so you can learn in real time and on the spot. You will gain skills and the knowledge that employers value most and have the fantastic example of working in arguably the busiest period for many businesses working in conditions under immense pressure. 

The perfect example is working in retail or logistics over Christmas where communication, organisation and resilience skills will be developed and heavily used, gaining experience in those skills which are present in almost all jobs and industries. 

Grow your Network 

A temporary job will give you the opportunity to meet managers, supervisors, coworkers, recruiters - a lot of people who may be important to your career in the future. 

First impressions matter. It’s important to be reliable, demonstrate your flexibility, and show your enthusiasm during your temporary seasonal role as this may lead to further discussions or opportunities to become permanent. 

A Permanent Position May Arise  

It occurs more often than you would expect. Many organisations use the festive period as an opportunity to see if they can recruit someone for a permanent role. By demonstrating your skills and positive attitude, a temporary contract could become more during this busy festive period.  

Many employers find that seasonal workers easily integrate into their team, especially during a busy retail season when they can show commitment, pick up the processes quickly and contribute to the overall success of the business in a high-paced environment. For many individuals, a seasonal job is often the first place they start on the pathway to a long-term career.  

Gain Confidence and Clarity  

Working in temporary positions can help you decide on opportunities you are not interested in exploring or simply do not want to do; these outcomes are just as important as finding a career you enjoy.  

Whatever it may be, all experience is valuable and important because there is less pressure to get involved or explore certain industries, gain new experiences, and rebuild your confidence if you've been unemployed. By the time January comes around, you will likely have more direction into your career you would like to develop in and a stronger CV to show for yourself.  

Get Prepared for 2026  

Getting started with a Christmas job can be an advantage for your career. While many people wait until the new year to begin their job hunt, you’ll already have proven experience and fresh references to use in your applications. This is a head start that does make a difference; while others are updating their CVs, you could already have interviews secured or even be moving into your permanent position. 

A temporary Christmas position may only feel like a short amount of time and pass you by, but the experience you gain will count for much longer. As long as you come in and do a respectable and honorable job and treat it like a true role during the temp position, your future success will link back to your 2025 Christmas role. 

At Meridian, we work with jobseekers every festive period to connect them with trusted employers that see their potential. Whether you’re looking for temporary work or hoping to make it a more permanent arrangement, we can help you take your next step. 

Meridian can help you make it happen – find your next opportunity with us.