Summer is just around the corner, which means the market for seasonal job opportunities is beginning to bloom. Employment in food service, hospitality, agriculture or logistics are just some of the possibilities. Whether you are planning to earn some extra cash for the holidays, gain experience or simply change your surroundings for a few months – this guide is for you.

For many, seasonal work is a chance for quick income and valuable first work experience. However, to make that experience truly worthwhile and positive, it is important to think through your first steps and prepare accordingly.

Read also: How to Prepare for a Job Interview in 2025?

How to find a seasonal job?

Below you will find key information to help you safely and effectively plan your work adventure. Already found your dream offer? Read our guide before you send in your resume!

Where to look for seasonal work?

The Internet remains one of the most effective tools – dedicated job portals and websites, social media groups and mobile apps allow you to quickly filter offers by location, industry and start date. It is also worth keeping an eye on job ads from local employers, especially in tourist destinations. A reliable option is to use an employment agency that can verify offers and handle the formalities.

Most popular industries and positions

During the summer, there is particularly high demand for seasonal work in:

• Food service (waiting staff, kitchen assistants, ice cream vendors)
• Hospitality (housekeepers, front desk clerks)
• Agriculture (fruit and vegetable picking)
• Logistics (warehouse workers, packers)
• Retail (customer service)

There is also growing demand in leisure activities and childcare. Would you like to learn more details? Below we describe the most popular industries and typical positions in each.

Caregiving, cleaning and other services

Are you looking for flexible seasonal work? The service industry offers many opportunities for short-term jobs – from childcare and elder care to hotel cleaning and event support. This is a great option if you want to earn extra income, gain experience or simply do something meaningful.

• Child or elder caregiver
• Hotel room, office or public space cleaner
• Event support and guest service assistant
• Maintenance and cleaning of green areas or event venues
• Flexible hours and the ability to combine with other activities

Manufacturing and agriculture

Although many jobs are available in construction and factories, it is important to note that these are physically demanding roles, and due to safety regulations and legal requirements, younger individuals (especially minors) are often not eligible for employment in these areas. In this sector, particularly during the summer, positions are mostly related to agricultural production – such as fruit and vegetable picking – and also include roles in packaging. These jobs offer the chance to gain early experience in team-based work:

• Production and factory work (often short-term)
• Fruit and vegetable picking in orchards and fields
• Sorting agricultural products
• Operating machines (often under supervision, without requiring specialized qualifications)

Logistics

In logistics, there is a constant need for workers in warehouses, loading and unloading areas, as well as for stocking goods and sorting packages. This provides a good opportunity to earn money and develop organizational skills.

• Warehouse worker – receiving, sorting and dispatching goods
• Packer – assembling customer orders
• Loading and unloading tasks
• Basic operation of scanners
• Team-based tasks, shift work, and tight schedules

Retail and food service

Stores, market stalls and food service points frequently seek seasonal staff for customer service roles. It is a great chance to earn money while improving communication skills.

• Sales assistant at seasonal stalls or retail outlets
• Operating a cash register and payment terminal
• Assisting customers and maintaining product displays
• Working outdoors, often in tourist locations
• Building experience in sales and customer service

IT industry

Seasonal work in IT is not as common as in other sectors, but young tech enthusiasts can find internships, technical support roles or assist with basic projects – often in smaller companies or startups.

• Help desk support and user assistance
• Basic programming tasks and software testing
• Help with updates and data entry
• Opportunity to gain hands-on skills and learn about the industry
• Remote or hybrid – flexible hours

Human Resources

During the summer vacation period, HR departments may need support with recruitment, document handling and organizing training sessions. For those considering a career in this field, it is worth looking into these opportunities, as they offer a valuable starting point.

• Assistance with document preparation
• Support in recruitment processes
• Communicating with candidates and scheduling interviews
• Administrative tasks and HR system data entry
• Getting behind-the-scenes insight into the HR department

Office and administration

For individuals who enjoy office tasks, there is another opportunity to support administrative teams during busy periods.

• Data entry and document archiving
• Handling phone calls and correspondence
• Preparing reports and summaries
• Scheduling meetings and managing calendars
• Developing organizational and office skills
  
  

Finance and accounting

There are situations where companies need temporary support with settlements, invoicing or preparing documents for monthly or quarterly closing. What kind of tasks do they typically look for help with?

• Entering accounting data and reviewing financial documents
• Assisting with invoicing and financial settlements
• Preparing basic financial summaries and reports
• Learning the fundamentals of accounting and corporate finance
• Working under the supervision of experienced accountants

Marketing

Although a job in marketing might sound intimidating, it often starts with simple tasks such as supporting events, assisting with promotional activities or even making coffee during industry meetings. It is a great opportunity for an internship and to gain practical skills that can open doors to a longer-term career.

• Event and promotional campaign support
• Assisting with social media or creating basic promotional materials
• Guest service at events (e.g., barista, host/hostess)
• Opportunities to build professional connections and earn recommendations for the future
• Learning teamwork and marketing fundamentals

Seasonal work – how to prepare a strong resume?

Do you not have any work experience yet? No worries – that is not a problem. When creating a resume for a seasonal job, it is not about how much experience you have, but about how relevant and clear it is. Even if you are just starting out, you can create a valuable resume that will attract an employer’s attention. Instead of focusing on what you lack, highlight what you already know – even if those are skills gained outside of formal employment.

CHECK OUT FREE CV CREATOR FROM ADECCO!

What should you include in your resume when you are just starting out?

1. Informal experience

You do not need to have held a formal job to gain valuable experience. You can confidently include the following in your resume:

• Volunteering (e.g., helping at local events, animal shelters, schools)
• Internships (even short ones through school or university)
• Helping in a family business (e.g., selling goods at a market)
• Helping neighbors (e.g., babysitting, lawn mowing, fruit picking)

2. Practical skills

Add a dedicated section for practical skills that might be useful for the role:

• Category B driver’s license
• Operating a cash register and payment terminal
• Language skills (e.g., English – B1, German – A2)
• Physical fitness and willingness to work outdoors
• Teamwork ability
• Proficiency in Excel, Canva
• Operating a cash register and payment terminal

3. Availability

This is crucial – the employer needs to know when you are available and for how long. A short note is enough, for example:

“I am available from June 24 through the end of August, including weekends.”

Tailor your resume to the specific job offer. Do not send the exact same resume every time you find an offer. Always adapt it to the industry: different emphasis will be needed for a food service role versus a retail position.

Examples:

• If you are applying to a café, highlight your communication skills, ability to handle stress and language knowledge.
• If you are applying for physical work like harvesting, emphasize your physical fitness, punctuality and perseverance.

4. Add a short summary

At the top of your resume, you can add a brief 2–3 sentence summary about yourself. It is a great opportunity to show your motivation and key strengths.

Example:

“I am a second-year biology student looking for a seasonal job in the food service industry. I have customer service experience and speak English at a communicative level. I am available throughout the summer.”

If you want to use modern tools, try our CV CREATOR – a free tool powered by AI solutions.

Contract, accommodation and other formalities

Always sign a contract before starting work – ideally in writing, even if the job lasts just a few weeks. Confirm who provides accommodation, whether there is an additional fee, what the working hours are and what the pay rates will be. If you are working abroad, make sure you have the required documents (e.g., EHIC, valid ID card or passport) and ensure your insurance covers your stay.

Do you have any questions, feel unsure where to begin or what to pay attention to? Ask for expert support. Adecco recruiters can guide you step by step.

What should you watch out for to avoid getting scammed?

Seasonal job offers can seem very appealing, especially online. But if something sounds too good to be true, it is better to stay alert!

Overly attractive offers (such as “high pay, no experience, no resume, immediate start”) should raise a red flag. Never send your personal documents to unknown companies without checking their reviews and never send money upfront “for recruitment fees” – legitimate employment agencies do not charge candidates.

Warning signs to look out for:

• Lack of company details or suspicious e-mail addresses (e.g., personal @gmail addresses instead of business ones)
• Requests for scans of personal documents (like your ID or passport) without a specific job offer
• Demands for upfront payments for “recruitment fees” or “reserving a job” – legitimate agencies do not ask candidates for money!

To minimize risk, it is a good idea to use the support of professionals and reputable agencies – this guarantees legal protection and greater security.

Why is a recruitment agency a good option?

• Agencies offer verified job listings from trusted companies
• They assist with formalities (contracts, insurance, transportation)
• They provide support for working abroad as well.
• You can verify their legitimacy through KRAZ, the National Register of Employment Agencies (available online).

If you are unsure, look for reviews online (on forums, Facebook groups, Google Maps), ask friends or consult a career advisor at your school, university or local job center.

You can also find up-to-date, verified offers on our website.

SUMMARY:

Seasonal work is much more than just a quick way to make money during your time off from school or other responsibilities. Let us summarize the three key points:

1. It is an ideal form of activity for many people, in particular those going through changes, seeking new experiences or wanting to use their vacation time in a practical way.
2. It is a great fit for students and pupils with a break from classes, as well as for people between jobs or planning a trip abroad.
3. It can be your first professional experience, which will pay off in your future resume.

Although it is usually a short-term job, that does not mean it is a one-time opportunity. Many companies are happy to re-hire reliable and engaged workers. Sometimes a successful collaboration might even lead to an internship or a longer-term contract.

That is why it is worth making a good impression, asking for references and staying in touch – because a seasonal job can be the start of something much bigger. A well-chosen offer, realistic expectations and a responsible attitude are the keys to making seasonal work not only beneficial in the short term, but also an opportunity that can open doors in the future.