Black Friday and Christmas boost demand for labour and challenge candidates

As the busiest retail dates in Brazil, Black Friday in November and Christmas in December, approach, a warning light is starting to flash for businesses and professionals.

On the one hand, businesses need to bolster their teams to meet the rising demand, while 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 skilled professionals begins now.

"This is the time when businesses are looking for speed in hiring, but also quality in choosing candidates. Those who come with updated CVs and some qualifications in customer service, sales, or logistics have a greater chance of standing out," he said.

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

Seasonality means the retail sector needs to recruit thousands of temporary staff in just a few weeks, primarily for roles such as salespeople, cashiers, stockers, and assistants. For many, this opportunity is their first step into the job market, and a significant portion of this workforce can be absorbed post-peak. It's a common annual occurrence.

Companies use this period to test prospective employees before formal employment. Those who demonstrate commitment and client-handling skills have a good chance of being hired permanently," explains Pelanda.

Experts emphasise that candidates should view temporary positions as strategic opportunities. Updating your CV, investing in quick training, and highlighting previous experience, even informal ones, are important differentiators. Furthermore, maintaining keywords in your CV can be a significant boost in attracting employers.