Start by asking at local cafes, supermarkets, and retail stores that need extra cover during school holidays. Have a simple one page CV ready, apply in person where possible, and mention your availability dates clearly so employers know you can start straight away.
Step 1: Work out exactly when you are free
Before you approach anyone, write down your actual start and end dates, including any days you are unavailable for family events or travel. Employers hiring for the holidays need cover for a fixed window, so being vague about your dates is one of the fastest ways to get passed over. If you can work right through to the last day of the break, say so, that flexibility matters more than you might think for a short term hire.
Step 2: Build a one page CV that leads with availability
You do not need work history to get a holiday job, you need a clean, honest one pager. Put your name, contact details, school year, and availability dates near the top, then list any babysitting, sport, volunteering, or family responsibilities that show you can turn up and follow through. If you want a second set of eyes on it, the CV + Cover Letter Writer can tailor a CV and short cover letter for you in minutes.
Step 3: Target the right kinds of businesses
Cafes, supermarkets, garden centres, and retail stores are the classic holiday hirers because their regular staff take leave and foot traffic goes up. Fast food outlets and cinemas also tend to need short term cover. Family friendly attractions and local events can be worth a shot too, even if it is just a few shifts.
Step 4: Apply in person where you can
A lot of small local businesses still prefer someone walking in with a CV over an online form, especially for short term holiday cover. Dress neatly, ask for the manager by name if you know it, and keep your pitch short: your name, your year at school, your availability, and that you are keen to help out. If the manager is not there, leave your CV and ask when is a good time to check back.
Step 5: Apply online at the same time
Do not rely on walk-ins alone. Search local listings and apply to anything realistic for your age and availability, since some employers only accept applications through a form or a job board. Applying to several places at once is completely normal for holiday work and is not seen as a bad look by employers.
- Keep a simple list of who you have applied to and when
- Mention your start and end dates in every application
- Follow up by phone or in person after about a week if you have not heard back
- Be ready to start with little notice, holiday hires often move fast
- Ask family and neighbours if their workplace needs extra hands
Key takeaways
- Lead with your availability dates, that is often the deciding factor for holiday cover
- A tidy one page CV beats a long one for this kind of short term application
- Applying in person still works well for small local businesses
- Apply broadly and keep track of where you have sent your CV
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a CV for a holiday job?
Yes, even a simple one page CV shows you are organised and serious. Include your contact details, school year, availability, and any relevant activities like babysitting, sport, or volunteering that show reliability.
What age can I start working in NZ?
Rules vary by industry and type of work, and some roles have age restrictions. Check current requirements on Employment NZ before applying, and be upfront with employers about your age when you enquire.
Should I apply to more than one place at once?
Yes, applying to several holiday jobs at the same time is normal and expected. Just keep a simple record of where you applied so you can respond quickly if more than one employer gets back to you.
What if I have never had a job before?
That is fine for holiday work, most employers expect it from school leavers. Focus your CV on reliability and availability rather than experience, and check out the No Experience toolkit for more guidance.
Ready to line up applications quickly? Use the CV + Cover Letter Writer to get a tailored CV and cover letter sorted before the school holidays are over.