Black Friday and Christmas boost labor demand, challenging job seekers

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

While businesses need to bolster their teams to handle increased demand, candidates also need to be prepared to secure these openings. According to Karina Pelanda, Recruitment and Selection Manager at RH NOSSA, the competition for talent begins early.

"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 better chance of standing out," he says.

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

Seasonality necessitates the retail sector hiring thousands of temporary staff 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 in the post-peak period. It's a common annual movement.

Companies use this period to test professionals before final hiring. Those who demonstrate commitment and customer service skills 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 prior experiences, even informal ones, are important differentiators. Furthermore, incorporating keywords into resumes can significantly boost hiring prospects.