Hiring for the Christmas period is about to kick into high gear. According to Indeed, Christmas job posts typically start going up in August and peak in September or early October.

The jobs site has reported that casual job opportunities are tracking 40 per cent higher than last year, but those wanting a Christmas casual position this year should get in fast. Search activity was up 18 per cent in August compared to the same time last year, making the chances of actually getting hired more competitive.

Retailers account for more than two thirds (67 per cent) of Christmas job opportunities in Australia, according to Indeed, with clothing and jewellery retailers featuring prominently among businesses with the highest number of postings.

The top 10 businesses by volume include Pandora Jewelry, Bed Bath N’ Table, The Just Group, Supercheap Auto, Sunglass Hut, BCF, Rebel, Code Camp Australia, Hanes and Motif Dance Productions.

Indeed’s APAC economist Callam Pickering said that job seekers should be proactive in their approach by polishing off resumes and taking the time to really consider which roles they would like to apply for.

“Christmas casual positions can often lend themselves to crucial work experience and training, and may present opportunities for permanent roles, so it’s important to be proactive,” he said.

Retailers have long relied on casual seasonal workers to support the surge in foot traffic and transactions that occur in the lead-up to Christmas, which can account for 60 per cent of annual sales, depending on the business and category.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has lobbied in recent years for long-term casual workers to be automatically converted into permanent staff after six months of regular work with the same employer.

Last year, the Fair Work Commission ruled that workers had the right to request full or part-time employment status after 12 months with one employer, but the ACTU has continued to push back against what it calls the “casualisation of jobs”.