Finding a job for the summer can be a great way to get some sun and enjoy yourself, while earning enough money to cover your expenses and perhaps even a little to take home with you. Most job vacancies are to be found in the tourist industry between roughly May-September, in bars, clubs and tavernas; but there are other options. You should focus your job search on the busier tourist areas including the larger islands. There will also be some but fewer job opportunities in Athens. In addition to young people, this type of temporary job is also sought by may people here of all ages of all ages, who work during the summer months to help carry them through the rest of the year. Bar jobs The best way to find jobs in pubs, bars and clubs is to arrive in your chosen destination and go door to door, but you are also likely to find a few jobs on the Internet. Be advised that with the latter approach, you run a greater risk of arriving and finding that your job has been given to someone else. Unfortunately for men, women are much more likely to find this type of job than men. Political correctness does not exist in Greece and job ads that read something like “Young pretty girl needed for bar job”, are not uncommon. Work experience will be considered favourably, but it is usually not necessary. You are unlikely to need to be able to speak any Greek, but again it cannot hurt if you know some basic vocabulary. The pay is usually low and the hours are long. Waiting on tables Again, door to door is a good approach, but you will also see more of these jobs advertised. You are likely to paid a very low amount and then have to earn the rest in tips. Therefore, there is the potential to earn more than in bar work. You may also be given free food during your shift. It is helpful if you know a little Greek. Working in a souvenir / gift / arts and crafts store The pay is usually reasonable for these jobs, which are advertised in newspapers, online and in the shop’s windows. A fairly good knowledge of Greek and of at least one other European language will put you in a good position. Some previous experience will also be considered favourably, for high-end art and jewellery stores, in particular. Sports coaches / instructors Many hotels, resorts and small specialist activity tour companies seek people to lead, teach and supervise their sports and leisure activities during the summer season. These activities include: swimming, aerobics, yoga, tennis, mountain biking, horse riding, walking, scuba diving and sailing. Depending on the activity, you are likely to have to demonstrate your proficiency in it and have experience of working with groups of people. Some professional qualifications may also be required. A proven knowledge of first-aid is another common requirement. Accommodation and meals are often provided. Pay is reasonable. Childcare Although people usually look for au pairs on a long-term basis, you may be able to find temporary summer vacancies for when children are on their school holidays. These can sometimes involve accompanying a family while they are on their summer holiday. Some experience and references are usually requested. Au pairs usually live-in with the family and may be asked to do other domestic chores such as washing and cleaning. The pay is low, but you will be provided with food and accommodation. The amount of free time that you have to yourself will vary from job to job. These jobs are usually advertised in newspapers and on the Internet. Adverts will range from those seeking native English speakers (or other nationalities) who can also help the children improve their foreign language skills, to politically incorrect ones that request applicants from Asian and African countries, presumably in the belief that they can be paid less. Hotels and resorts also recruit for their childcare facilities ahead of the main summer season. Ads vary in their requirements for your level of proficiency in Greek. Yacht crew You can find these jobs advertised in the newspaper, online and through yacht clubs. Experience is usually necessary and may be required by law depending on your role e.g. captain. Other roles include cooking and cleaning, and you may be required to multi-task. Crews are often hired for longer than the duration of the tourist season - the sailing season lasts from March to early November. You must obviously be willing to travel and this may, in some cases, include travelling beyond Greek waters. The free time available to you is likely to vary considerably from job to job. Volunteer work Voluntary conservation or teaching work can be found on the mainland and on the islands, usually through specialist agencies in Greece or abroad. The conditions vary a lot, but you will usually be expected to fund your own travel to Greece. You are volunteering your time, so you are usually working with no pay. Accommodation and food is often free, but you may have to take a turn at cooking for the other volunteers and cleaning. Working hours and therefore the free time available to you will also vary. Depending on the project you are working on, there will be opportunities that may help you in later life and career, by equipping you with useful skills and helping you rule in or out future career paths. Various jobs of the type mentioned above are advertised from early in the year in the classified section of the Athens News, which is updated every Tuesday at www.athensnews.gr Below are some useful websites that specifically advertise summer jobs worldwide, including in Greece. You are also welcome to post a message on the Forum, whether you are advertising a job or seeking one. www.summerjobs.com www.seasonworkers.com www.anyworkanywhere.com If you know a job site that should be added to this list, please send me an e-mail to info@athensroom.com |
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