Best Places to Find Part-Time Jobs for Students This 2025 Festive Season

The festive season is one of the best times to earn extra cash, and part-time jobs for students offer a golden opportunity to gain work experience, build your CV, and make money before the year ends.

For students aged 17–25, the 2025 festive season is a golden opportunity to earn extra income, gain real work experience, and boost your CV. Whether it’s working as a cashier at Pick n Pay, assisting in a local café, or helping at community events and festivals, there’s a range of part-time jobs perfectly suited for first-time job seekers.

In this guide, you won’t just learn about festive job opportunities, by the time you finish reading, you’ll know exactly where to find these jobs, how to apply successfully, what documents to prepare, and how to avoid scams. From online portals and retailer career pages to walk-in applications and local networks, we provide step-by-step strategies so you can start applying immediately and maximize your holiday earnings.

Benefits of Part-Time Jobs for Students

Taking on a part-time job during the festive season offers more than just a paycheck. For students aged 17–25, these opportunities come with a range of benefits that can impact both your present and future.

1. Earn Extra Income

• The most immediate benefit is earning money to cover festive expenses, save for tuition, or contribute to family needs.
• Even short-term work can provide hundreds or thousands of rand, depending on the role and hours worked.

2. Gain Valuable Work Experience

• First-time jobs teach you practical skills like customer service, teamwork, cash handling, and time management.
• These experiences make your CV stronger and help when applying for permanent positions later.

3. Build Your CV and References

• A festive job shows future employers that you are responsible, proactive, and able to commit to deadlines, even in a temporary role.
• Performing well can earn you references or letters of recommendation, a powerful advantage for your next job or internship.

4. Develop Soft Skills

• You’ll improve communication, problem-solving, and adaptability; skills that are highly valued in any career.
• Dealing with customers, colleagues, and supervisors provides real-world lessons that classroom learning cannot.

5. Learn About Different Industries

• Working in retail, hospitality, events, or logistics allows you to explore different career paths and discover what suits your skills and interests.
• It’s a chance to gain insight into operations, workflows, and professional expectations in various sectors.

6. Expand Your Network

• Short-term work introduces you to managers, mentors, and colleagues who can become part of your professional network.
• Networking during festive work can lead to future part-time roles, internships, or full-time employment.

7. Build Discipline and Time Management

• Balancing work, studies, and festive commitments teaches organization, punctuality, and responsibility.
• These habits carry over to your academic and personal life, helping you manage future challenges more efficiently.

Pro Tip: Think of each festive job as more than just a temporary paycheck. Treat it as a mini internship, every task you complete is an opportunity to learn, impress, and grow professionally.

Learn more: Who’s Hiring in December 2025? Top Retail, Hospitality, and Events Jobs Open Now

Top Industries Hiring Students During the Festive Season

The festive season brings a surge in demand across several industries. Knowing where to focus your search will save you time and increase your chances of landing a part-time role. Here’s a breakdown of the most promising sectors for students in South Africa:

1. Retail: Your Best Bet for Festive Work

Retail is the largest festive employer, as stores prepare for increased foot traffic, sales, and holiday shoppers.

Common roles for students:

• Cashiers and sales assistants
• Shelf packers and merchandisers
• Store runners or stockroom assistants
• Gift-wrapping and customer service assistants

Top employers to target:

• Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Checkers, Spar, Woolworths, Mr Price, Pep, Ackermans, and Game
• Clothing chains like Cotton On, H&M, Foschini, and Truworths

Pro Tip: Retailers often start hiring as early as September. Visit local stores or check online career pages to submit your CV before roles fill up.

2. Food & Hospitality: Fast-Paced and Rewarding

Restaurants, cafés, and catering services experience a high demand for staff during holidays.

Roles students can apply for:

• Waiters and waitresses
• Kitchen assistants and dishwashers
• Cashiers or front-of-house hosts
• Delivery and takeaway assistants

Employers and chains that frequently hire:

• Spur, Nando’s, KFC, Steers, Debonairs, Ocean Basket
• Local cafés and fast-food outlets
• Catering companies for events and private functions

Pro Tip: Even with no prior experience, enthusiasm and reliability are highly valued in hospitality. Many employers provide on-the-job training for festive staff.

3. Events & Promotions: Fun Opportunities with Flexible Hours

September to December is peak season for festivals, markets, and promotional campaigns.

Typical roles for students:

• Event ushers or brand promoters
• Stage or logistics assistants
• Merchandise sales or sampling staff
• Photobooth or customer engagement assistants

Where to find these roles:

• Event agencies such as Jaded Productions, Universal Events, Activ8 Promotions
• Local community Facebook groups and notice boards
• Municipal events and holiday markets

Pro Tip: Event roles often have flexible schedules and can be ideal for students balancing studies with work.

4. E-Commerce & Delivery: The Growing Online Sector

With online shopping booming, companies hire extra staff for packing, sorting, and delivery during the festive season.

Opportunities include:

• Warehouse pickers and packers
• Delivery drivers (if you have a license)
• Customer support for orders

Key employers and apps:

• Takealot, Checkers Sixty60, Mr D Food
• Logistics companies like Courier Guy, PAXI, and DSV

Pro Tip: Students with scooters, bicycles, or cars can take advantage of delivery apps to earn extra cash with flexible hours.

Small Businesses and Local Opportunities

Don’t overlook local shops, boutiques, and small businesses. They often need extra staff but may not post online.

How to find them:

• Look for “Now Hiring” signs in malls or busy streets
• Ask local business owners directly with a CV in hand
• Use community networks like churches, campus notice boards, or youth groups

Pro Tip: Small businesses can be less competitive than big retailers and may offer more personalized work experience.

Where to Look Online for Festive Jobs

Finding part-time festive jobs online is one of the fastest and safest ways for students to apply, especially if you’re juggling studies and other commitments. The key is knowing which platforms are reliable, student-friendly, and regularly updated.

Major Job Portals

Several South African job portals list seasonal, part-time, and entry-level positions:

Pro Tip: Use keywords like “holiday job September–December,” “festive assistant,” or “student work 2025” to narrow down your search.

Retailer Career Pages

Many large retailers post festive vacancies directly on their websites. This is a safe and verified way to apply. Bookmark these pages and check weekly from September onward:

Pro Tip: Create an account on each site, upload your CV, and update your availability. Many retailers filter applications by availability.

Government and Youth Employment Platforms

For verified, scam-free listings targeting students and youth:

• SAYouth.mobi – Free, government-supported portal for youth employment, including festive and short-term work.
• Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator – Matches young job seekers to entry-level and seasonal positions.

Pro Tip: Registration is free. Avoid any site that asks for payment, legitimate government and NGO platforms never charge to apply.

WhatsApp and Community Job Groups (Use With Caution)

Many students find opportunities via WhatsApp groups, but scams are common. To stay safe:

• Join groups recommended by verified community leaders, youth offices, or campus job boards.
• Never pay money or send sensitive documents upfront.
• Cross-check any job by visiting the company website or calling official contacts.

Examples of safe leads:

• Municipal youth offices sharing local festive vacancies
• Verified Facebook pages like “Jobs in Cape Town,” “Durban Vacancies,” or “East London Student Jobs”

Pro Tip: Treat WhatsApp job groups as a supplement, not your main source. Prioritize official portals and retailer career pages.

Action Steps for Students

1. Create a list of your preferred employers and portals by September.
2. Set up alerts for new festive job postings.
3. Prepare your CV and documents (ID, proof of student status, bank details).
4. Apply early, the first applications are often shortlisted.
5. Track your applications in a simple spreadsheet to follow up if needed.

By following these steps, students can maximize their chances of landing multiple festive jobs, ensuring both income and experience before the year ends.

Offline Job Search Tips: How to Find Festive Jobs in Your Area

While online job applications are convenient, many retailers, restaurants, and local businesses still hire in person, especially for short-term festive roles. Visiting workplaces directly can increase your chances, especially if you’re applying late or competing with online applicants.

1. Walk-In Applications: Make a Strong First Impression

Going directly to stores or restaurants can help you stand out. Here’s how to do it effectively:

Step-by-step guide:

1. Dress neatly and professionally – first impressions count.
2. Bring a one-page CV and copies of your ID and proof of student status.
3. Choose quieter times (mornings or mid-afternoons) to speak with the manager.
4. Politely ask: “Hello, are you hiring seasonal or part-time staff for the festive season?”
5. Follow up if you don’t hear back within a week. A polite call or visit shows initiative.

Tip: Stores in malls or busy streets often need extra hands and may not advertise online. Being proactive can give you an edge.

2. Look for “Now Hiring” Signs

Many businesses post temporary job openings on windows or notice boards.

• Check mall entrances, shop windows, and local markets.
• Restaurants and cafés often post flyers inside the store.
• Local newspapers or community newsletters may also advertise short-term positions.

Tip: Keep a small folder or envelope with your CV and documents ready, you can hand it over immediately when you see a “Now Hiring” sign.

3. Tap Into Local Networks

Word-of-mouth is one of the most effective ways to find short-term festive jobs.

Where to network:

• Friends, family, or neighbours who work in retail or hospitality
• Church or youth group leaders
• Campus notice boards or student societies

Tip: Let people know exactly when you are available. Being flexible and clear about your schedule increases your chances of being recommended.

4. Combine Online and Offline Approaches

• Apply online for larger retailers and delivery apps.
• Simultaneously, visit local shops and restaurants to hand in your CV.
• This dual approach ensures you don’t miss opportunities, especially in smaller towns or less-connected areas.

Actionable Steps for Students

1. Identify 10–15 local businesses you could work at.
2. Prepare a simple CV, ID, and student proof.
3. Visit businesses before the festive rush, ideally in September or October.
4. Ask politely, leave your documents, and follow up after 5–7 days.
5. Keep a log of businesses visited and responses to stay organized.

Remember: Employers value initiative, reliability, and a positive attitude. Walking in and introducing yourself can make you memorable in a way online applications sometimes can’t.

How to Prepare Your CV & Documents for Festive Jobs

Many students hesitate to apply for festive or part-time jobs because they think they don’t have enough experience. The truth is, employers during the festive season care more about reliability, attitude, and availability than a long work history. A well-prepared CV and supporting documents can make you stand out immediately.

1. What Employers Look For

Festive and short-term employers focus on a few key qualities:

• Availability: Can you work flexible hours, weekends, or evenings?
• Attitude: Friendly, approachable, and eager to help.
• Basic skills: Customer service, cash handling, teamwork, and communication.
• Reliability: Arriving on time and completing assigned tasks.

Pro Tip: Highlighting these traits in your CV or during interviews can outweigh formal experience.

2. How to Write a Simple, Effective CV

Keep it short, clear, and professional, one page is enough for a festive role. Include the following sections:

1. Personal Details
   • Name, contact number, email address, and location.
2. Education
   • Current school, TVET, or university
   • Include expected graduation year
3. Availability
   • Specify weeks or months you can work (e.g., September–December, weekends only, full-time in December)
4. Experience (if any)
   • Part-time jobs, volunteer work, or school/college activities
   • Emphasize transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and organization
5. Skills
   • Customer service, basic computer literacy, cash handling, or multitasking
6. References
   • A teacher, community leader, or previous employer who can vouch for your reliability

Tip: Use bullet points, avoid long paragraphs, and keep formatting clean. A tidy CV is easier for managers to read in a busy retail or hospitality environment.

3. Prepare Supporting Documents

Most festive employers will ask for additional documents when hiring:

• Certified copy of your ID
• Proof of student status (school or university registration)
• Bank account details for salary/payment
• SARS tax number (if applicable)

Pro Tip: Keep all documents in a small folder or envelope when visiting businesses or attending interviews, it shows organization and professionalism.

4. Optional Extras That Boost Your Chances

• A short cover note explaining your availability and interest in seasonal work
• A professional-looking email address for online applications
• Smart casual attire when attending interviews or walk-ins

Safety Tips for Job Hunting: Avoid Scams and Protect Yourself

The festive season is a prime time for part-time jobs, but unfortunately, it’s also when scammers target students looking for quick money. Protecting yourself while applying online or offline is just as important as submitting a strong CV.

1. Recognize Red Flags

Watch out for any job that seems too good to be true. Common warning signs include:

• Requests for upfront payment for training, uniforms, or registration.
• Ads with no company name, physical address, or contact number.
• Promises of unrealistically high pay for minimal work.
• Job postings with poor grammar, spelling errors, or vague details.

Tip: Legitimate employers never ask for money to hire you. If a job sounds suspicious, walk away.

2. Verify Employers Before Applying

Before submitting personal information or attending interviews:

• Google the company to check reviews and legitimacy.
• Visit the company’s official website or career page.
• Call official phone numbers listed online to confirm the vacancy.
• Ask peers, teachers, or family members if they know the employer.

Pro Tip: For delivery apps or online gigs, check for official app registration and verified accounts rather than random WhatsApp messages.

3. Protect Your Personal Information

Never share sensitive details unless you are sure the job is legitimate:

• Avoid sending ID copies, banking information, or passwords via unverified channels.
• Only upload documents on official websites or trusted job portals.
• If attending walk-in interviews, bring physical copies of your documents instead of sharing electronically.

4. Use Trusted Job Sources

Prioritize applications through:

• Official job portals: PNet, Indeed, Careers24, JobMail
• Retailer career pages: Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Shoprite, Mr Price
• Government or youth platforms: SAYouth.mobi, Harambee, Joburg Youth Portal

Tip: Treat WhatsApp and social media groups as a secondary source. Always verify jobs posted there before sharing personal details.

5. Stay Alert in Interviews and Work

• Meet in safe, public locations for interviews.
• If the role requires delivery or travel, never go alone to unverified addresses.
• Trust your instincts if something feels off, don’t proceed.

The 2025 festive season in South Africa is more than just a chance to earn extra cash — it’s a unique opportunity to gain work experience, build your CV, and develop professional skills that will serve you long after the holidays.

By now, you know where to look for jobs, how to prepare your CV and documents, how to apply safely, and which industries and roles are most in demand. But success comes to those who act early and stay organized.

Key Takeaways for Students

1. Start Applying Early
   • Many retailers and hospitality businesses begin hiring in September. Early applications give you the best chance of securing your preferred role.
2. Use Both Online and Offline Methods
   • Apply on trusted portals and career pages.
   • Complement online applications with walk-ins, local networks, and community boards.
3. Prepare Documents and CV Professionally
   • A tidy, one-page CV, certified ID, proof of student status, and bank details show that you are ready and reliable.
4. Prioritize Safety
   • Avoid scams, verify employers, and never pay fees for job placement.
5. Balance Work and Life
   • Plan shifts around studies, travel, and rest. Maintaining mental and physical health ensures you perform well and enjoy the experience.
6. Maximize the Opportunity
   • Treat festive work like a mini internship.
   • Gain new skills, network with supervisors and colleagues, and secure references for future jobs or internships.

Your Next Steps:

• Identify your preferred roles and employers.
• Prepare your CV and documents.
• Start applying online and offline as soon as possible.
• Stay safe, stay organized, and track your applications.

By approaching the festive season strategically, you can turn a temporary job into lasting skills, valuable experience, and even long-term opportunities. The key is to start early, stay smart, and make it count and before you know it, you’ll finish the year with money in your pocket, new skills on your CV, and professional connections that last well into the next year.