Black Friday and Christmas increase labor demand and challenge applicants.

The proximity of Brazil's busiest retail dates, Black Friday in November and Christmas in December, is starting to raise an alert for businesses and professionals.

On one hand, commerce needs to strengthen its teams to meet the increased demand, while on the other, candidates need to be prepared to win 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 businesses are looking for speed in hiring, but also quality in candidate selection. Those who arrive with updated resumes and some qualifications in customer service, sales, or logistics have a greater chance of standing out," he says.

According to the National Confederation of Retail Merchants, the number of temporary workers hired for those dates in 2024 reached nearly 450,000 across Brazil.

Seasonality requires the retail sector to hire thousands of temporary workers in just a few weeks, primarily for roles such as sales associates, cashiers, stockers, and customer service representatives. For many, this is their first step into the job market, and a significant portion of this workforce can be absorbed in the post-holiday period. It's a common yearly occurrence.

Companies use this period to test professionals before formal employment. 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 resumes, investing in quick training, and highlighting past experiences, even informal ones, are important differentiators. Furthermore, maintaining keywords in your resume can significantly boost your chances of being hired.