Black Friday and Christmas increase labor demand and challenge candidates.

The proximity of Brazil's busiest retail dates, Black Friday in November and Christmas in December, is beginning to raise a warning flag for businesses and professionals.

On one hand, businesses need to strengthen their teams to meet the increase in demand. On the other, candidates need to be prepared to secure the openings that arise during this period. According to Karina Pelanda, Recruitment and Selection Manager at RH NOSSA, the competition for professionals begins now.

"This is the moment when commerce seeks speed in hiring, but also quality in candidate selection. Those who arrive with updated resumes and some qualification in customer service, sales, or logistics have a greater chance of standing out," he says.

According to the National Confederation of Retail Merchants, around 450,000 temporary workers were hired in Brazil for these dates in 2024 alone.

Seasonality requires the retail sector to hire thousands of temporary workers in just a few weeks, primarily for roles like salespeople, cashiers, stockers, and customer service representatives. For many, this opportunity is their first step into the job market, and a significant portion of this workforce can be absorbed after the peak season. This is a common annual movement.

Companies use this period to test the skills of the candidates before hiring them permanently. Those who demonstrate commitment and skill in dealing with clients have a good chance of being hired permanently," explains Pelanda.

Experts emphasize that candidates should view temporary positions as strategic opportunities. Updating your resume, investing in quick training, and highlighting previous experiences, even informal ones, are important differentiators. Furthermore, including keywords in your resume can significantly boost your hiring prospects.