How to be more than a Christmas Casual

How to be more than a Christmas Casual

Many school-aged girls gain jobs as Christmas Casuals in the retail field, most of which want to learn how they can excel in the industry and ensure they can transformed from a Christmas Causal to an employee even after the Christmas tree is pulled down. Marina Majeran provided us with tips on how to impress your employer and become more than a Christmas Casual.

Interview with Marina Majeran

Marketing Manager of Centro Roselands, Marina Majeran is a Retail Industry expert having worked in the industry for 19 years.

What are your Top 5 Tips to promote yourself in the eye of your boss?

Marina Majeran: Attitude is everything and body language speaks louder than words. Be present, be in the moment and enjoy helping Customers find what they are looking for.

Acknowledge every customer that comes in the store, always. A simple hello and a smile goes a long way. A Customer's body language will tell you if they want you to help them or let them browse. Once they are in the change room, that is the place you'll find out how you can really help; size, colour etc.

Keep your personal life to yourself, no need for Customers to hear the shop associates gossiping, talking about the night before, key social events or how they would rather not be there.

Believe it or not, it's not about you, it's about the Customer, discover their needs and serve them whole heartedly.

Your success comes through the sales you make. How well you sell the product and how well you sell yourself. Be eager, be honest. Create repeat Customers who keep coming back to you, that's a sure sign you are a hero.

Carry the attitude that no job is too big, no job too small, you are dependable, make yourself indispensible.

Oh yes, and be nice to co-workers, be respectful, because it is also a popularity contest.


How can you impress your boss and prove that you are an asset to a company ensuring they will keep you on after the Christmas period?

Marina Majeran: The best way to become an asset is to pay attention to how the store systems works. Ask questions about the processes; who are the buyers (those who make the decisions of what the shop carries), how often does knew stock come in, what are the best sales days and times, do they advertise, where and when. Determine the stores perceived strengths (great big change rooms with lots of mirrors), and recognise any weaknesses (tiny change rooms with no mirrors and only one hook, hmm whose stuff do think is going on the floor), and use this information as a selling tool to help your customers. "We always have new stock come in on Wednesday", "sorry about the small change room, the mirror is right outside and I'll be here to help you if you need it."

Again, it's not about you, its about serving the Customer.

How do you recommend looking for Christmas Casual Jobs?

Marina Majeran: Decide who you want to work for then check their website, often they will have opportunities posted, or drop by the shop and introduce yourself. Don't be shy to tell them "I'd like to work here". Check out Shopping Centre websites as well they often have jobs posted.


When is best to begin looking for these jobs?

Marina Majeran: Timing is everything if you start doing your leg work and/or net work during the winter you'll have a head start at hiring time which begins in September thru November.


What is the most important fact on a resume?

Marina Majeran: Your resume should reflect "how" you do what you do, not what you do. "I increased sales by putting the umbrellas at the front of the store on a rainy day." Rather than sales are good on rainy days.


What makes you more appealing to an employer?

Marina Majeran: Attitude is everything; energy is a must and be professional. That means confident, well groomed and courteous. Most importantly, be a good communicator. Listener and ask questions if you are not clear on something.


What can you suggest when working in a job that guarantees you make sales targets?

Marina Majeran: Service sells, if you are willing to serve people, the sales will follow.


How important is it to be able to get along with other employees and management?

Marina Majeran: Very important because this is the team dynamics. You want to thrive off of each other and create an in store energy that is vibrant and uplifting. If you make your day about serving the Customer needs, not your needs you'll be way ahead of the game.


Is it better to have a wide availability?
Marina Majeran: This is a respect thing, you don't want to be so available that your employer looses respect for your time. You have to be confident enough to stand up for yourself, but if you can't work because your mate is having a BBQ, then you need to adjust your priorities and perhaps grow up now that you have joined the work force.


What is your favourite store?

Marina Majeran: I won't name any one in particular but I love stores with big change rooms and amazing merchandising. The kind where you just want to buy the whole display or try on the outfit that is on the mannequin. To me that is very inspirational and it gives me the "I wantems". Then add in a wonderful employee who is enjoying the sales day and I'm bringing out my wallet.


Interview by Brooke Hunter