How To Land a Summer Season Lodge Job Before the Festive Rush
It’s hard to believe it, but we’re almost at the festive season again. And for those working in South Africa’s hospitality world, it’s one of the busiest times of the year, and a great time to land a summer job.
Behind every December holiday, there is a team that was chosen weeks in advance.
Getting a spot on one of these seasonal teams can be tough. Around October, plenty of people start applying for bar jobs, waitressing gigs, and other positions in the hospitality world, all with the aim of making some quick extra month.
If you find yourself wanting a seasonal, this guide shares how to confidently and calmly approach seasonal hospitality jobs in South Africa.
Timing is Everything for Seasonal Hospitality Jobs
Lodges, hotels and restaurants usually like their teams settled and trained well before guests arrive.
To have your name in the hat, it is best to start applying as early as you can. This will put you ahead of the last-minute scramble, and it gives you time to prepare properly.
You want to apply well before the rush, so that your application can be seen first.
Getting Your CV Ready for Lodge Life
A CV is your first impression, and you need to make it easy to love. When updating your CV for a seasonal job, this is what you can do to spruce it up a little:
- Keep it to two pages, with your most recent experience first
- Open with a short, warm summary of who you are and what you do best
- Highlight your guest-facing experience from lodges, hotels, restaurants or even retail
- Add relevant certificates, such as first aid or guiding qualifications
- List two or three references who will reply quickly
Roles range from receptionists and chefs to field guides and management couples, so make sure that your CV aligns to the position you hope to get.
These are some other tips that you can keep in mind when looking for a seasonal job in South Africa:
Keep Your Documents in One Pretty Folder
To apply to positions quickly, it is best to save digital copies of your ID, qualifications, reference letters and CV in one folder on your phone or laptop.
When a opportunity appears, you can send everything within minutes, which can make all the difference when lodges are hiring quickly.
Stay Open and Flexible
With lodges and other hospitality businesses across the country, if you are unattached and looking for an adventure, you should be open to living in different locations. This will greatly widen your options and broaden your horizons.
Working for the summer season is also one of the best ways to gain lodge experience and to decide if this is a career path you’d really like to follow.
Prepare For a Quick Interview
Interviews are often arranged at short notice, sometimes by phone or video.
Make sure that you have a quiet spot with good signal, dress neatly and check your messages daily. You can also build your confidence by practising answers about why you want the role, how you care for guests and how you would feel living and working somewhere away from home.
Keep your answers upbeat and friendly, honest and specific, and follow up with a thank you. Good manners never go out of fashion.
Let Us Help You Find the Best Seasonal Job this December
Registering with a specialist recruitment agency means your details are ready when the right role appears.
At Hospitality and Outdoor, you can browse our job listings, set up an alert and join our WhatsApp community to hear about new vacancies as they appear.
Update your CV this week, gather your documents and register as a candidate. A little preparation now could see you welcoming guests by the festive season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start applying for seasonal hospitality jobs?
Ideally several weeks before the festive rush, as employers like to have teams ready before guests arrive. Roles can appear at any time, so keep checking new listings.
Do I need experience to get a seasonal lodge job?
Not always. Some roles, such as junior positions, suit newcomers who show warmth, good guest service skills and a willingness to learn.
Are seasonal hospitality jobs only in the bush?
No. You will also find opportunities with hotels, restaurants and city-based teams, as well as game lodges.
Can a seasonal role lead to something permanent?
It can. Reliable, friendly team members are noticed, so a strong season may open doors, although this is never guaranteed.
How do I hear about new vacancies quickly?
Register as a candidate, set up a job alert and join the WhatsApp community, so new roles reach you as soon as they are posted.
