Casual and Temp jobs - How To Find Your Next Job

Are you looking for flexible jobs? Have you considered temping and/or casual jobs? 

This guide will give you an insight into what you need to know about temporary and casual jobs like what temping or being a casual employee mean; and what are your rights. 

With the benefits of flexibility and a generally higher pay rate, many people looking searching for “Casual and temp jobs near me”, so don’t delay your job search any further!

What are casual jobs?

Casual jobs are temporary/flexible positions offered, where there is no commitment or agreement to ongoing work with an agreed pattern/roster of work. Casual jobs usually are needed when a business is experiencing a busy period, for example, during Christmas many businesses hire ‘Christmas Casuals’. 

What does being a casual employee mean?

As a casual employee, you have agreed to be employed in a position where you:

• have no contractual guaranteed hours of work
• may work irregular hours
• do not get accrue sick or annual leave 
• can end the employment without notice

Being a casual employee generally means that you are employed to support part-time and full-time employees. Nevertheless, if you are a casual employee for longer than 12 months, you may be eligible for ‘casual conversion’ which means that you can request to be a permanent employee. 

Why do casual jobs pay more?

A casual employee is paid more because they receive ‘casual loading’, which is an additional payment to an employee’s hourly wage. Usually, casual employees receive 25% of the hourly rate of permanent employees. 

For example, if the minimum hourly wage is $22, casual employees are entitled to an hourly wage of $27.50. 

Minimum hourly wage = $22 

Casual loading = 25% x $22 = $5.50

Hourly wage of casual employees = $22 + $5.50 = $27.50 

Advantages and disadvantages of casual work 

As casual work has its benefits, it also has some disadvantages. Below I have listed the pros and cons of casual jobs, to make it easier for you to decide whether looking for casual jobs may be a viable option for you. 

 Pros 

• Work flexibility 
• Higher hourly pay rate 
• Gain new experiences and skills 
• Little to no notice period 

Cons

• Lack of job security and steady income 
• Not eligible for paid leave 
• Often working outside of normal hours 
• Little to no notice period 
• Can be difficult to plan as there is no set work roster 

What are my rights as a casual worker?

Under the Fair Work Act, as a casual employee, you are entitled to casual loading (a higher pay rate), some leave entitlements such as unpaid carers’ or compassionate leave, and superannuation. Depending on the casual employment agreement, casual employees may also be entitled to penalty rates on weekends and public holidays, an agreed minimum of hours that can be worked each work, and the same rest breaks as permanent workers, for example, a 30-minute unpaid lunch break for every five hours worked. 

As a casual employee, you are protected by the Fair Work Act and you have the same rights as all workers to join and be represented by a union. 

How do I get a casual job in Sydney?

Where to look for casual jobs in Sydney?

As 2.6 million casual workers were employed in August 2022 Australia-wide, there are often vacant casual jobs in Sydney. Here are some tips I think will help you in your job hunt:

1. Keywords ‘casual jobs near me’ and personalised ads – A tip I use often is searching the keywords “jobs near me” when looking for jobs, as it will show you the nearest positions to you. Typing these keywords will also trigger personalised ads that will show you jobs that are hiring near you. For example, when I was searching for ‘marketing jobs near me’, the personalised ads on Facebook and Instagram often showed me marketing job ads.

2. Looking at multiple job sites – I highly recommend that you do not limit yourself to only one job site, and also expand your job hunt to smaller job sites such as spare staff

   as it will multiply your options.

3. Search on Linkedin – Linkedin is a great place to look for work as you are also able to look at who is already working at the business you’re applying to. Linkedin also allows you to create a profile to make you stand out to employers.

4. Keep an eye out for local businesses – Explore your local community. Often small businesses like to hire locally. I recommend that you take a stroll around the main street of your suburb and/or your local shopping centre and keep an eye out for posters that are posted on storefronts as often small cafes and restaurants that are looking for casual staff like to do things traditionally.

5. Word-of-mouth – Asking your friends and family can be beneficial, as many businesses like hiring new employees based on referrals from current employees. In my experience, many businesses ask job applicants whether they have been referred by someone that they know from the business. 

5 best casual jobs that are hiring right now!

I have listed the best 5 jobs in Sydney City that are currently on the lookout to fill some casual positions.  

Multiple Casual Positions at Tequila Daisy 

Named after a popular Tijuana cocktail, Tequila Daisy is a waterfront Mexican restaurant in Barangaroo. They specialise in tequila, mezcal, cocktails and tacos. Tequila Daisy has a few casual positions open, such as the positions of bartender, waiter, host and senior waiter. 

Where is Tequila Daily located and is it close to public transport?

Tequila Daisy is located at Shop 11/33 Barangaroo Ave, Barangaroo NSW 2000. It is less than a minute away from Barangaroo Wharf 2 and is a 3-minute walk to and from Wynyard train station. 

What are the opening hours of Tequila Daisy?

Tequila Daisy is open Tuesday - Sunday for lunch (12 pm - 3 pm) and dinner (Tuesday - Thursday 5 pm - 10 pm / Saturday & Sunday 5 pm - 11 pm).

It is stated on the job listing that there is plenty of flexibility and availability in rosters, which is perfect for those who are looking for a flexible casual job. 

What is the pay rate like?

Tequila Daisy does not disclose the pay rate they are offering, however, as a casual position you are entitled to a higher pay rate due to casual loading. 

What are the tasks for each position?

For the position of Bartender, your main tasks will include serving guests at the walk-up bar, dispensing for the restaurant, and making quality drinks. 

As a Waiter, you will be required to control a large section of the restaurant where your main task is to serve guests by taking orders and bringing food and drinks, and encouraging guest engagement. 

For the role of Senior Waiter, your tasks will include:

• Helping managers supervise staff and the restaurant. 
• Ensuring that the opening and closing of the venue run smoothly and up to standards. 
• Providing excellent customer service and ensuring guests have an excellent dining experience.  
• Receiving and confirming walk-in, telephone, and online reservations. 

As a Host, your main task is to look after quests by meeting and greeting them, taking orders, organising tables, and organising reservations and functions under the guidance of the admin manager. 

What are the requirements I need to meet? 

To be successful in the role of Bartender, you will need 

• Have 2 years of experience as a bartender.
• Have the ability to multitask.
• Have a fun and positive energy. 

To be considered for the role of Waiter, you will need:

• Have the ability to multitask. 
• Have a fun and positive energy. 
• Have at least 1-year of wait staff experience.
• Be able to engage guests.  

For the role of Senior Waiter, you will need to meet the following requirements:

• Have a minimum of 3 years of experience in high-end restaurants. 
• Be passionate about the industry. 
• Excellent knowledge of food & wine. 
• Be professional in attitude, punctuality and reliability. 
• Be well presented, courteous and truly love serving customers.
• Be able to work under pressure, in a busy environment.
• Be fluent in English. 
• Be an Australian permanent resident. 

To be a successful candidate for the role of Host, you will need to:

• Have the ability to multitask. 
• Have a fun and positive energy. 
• Have 1 year of experience as a host. 
• Excellent customer service skills. 
• Excellent organisational skills. 
• Have the ability to think quickly. 
• Be comfortable with technology. 
• Have the ability to make each guest feel like they are your top priority. 

How do I apply? 

To apply for the job vacancies at Tequila Daisy, search ‘Tequila Daisy’ in the keyword search box and sort by ‘relevance’ on the spare staff site. Click the relevant job ads, read through the details and click ‘apply’ to submit your application. 

If full-time jobs are on your radar, Tequila Daisy also has full-time vacancies available for the positions of Kitchen Hand, Cocktail Bartenders, and Chef De Partie.  

Barista/Front-of-House at Le Gourmand 

Le Gourmand is a small family-owned business located in inner-west Sydney, specialising in plant-based French food such as macarons, croissants, crème brûlée, foie gras, pâté, and papenade. Le Gourmand is looking for a casual barista and front-of-house to join their Newtown store. 

Where is Le Gourmand located? 

Le Gourmand is located at 414 King St, Newtown 2042. It is a 3-minute walk from Newtown station and there are bus stops located right outside. 

What are the opening hours and what will my roster look like?

Le Gourmand’s opening hours are Wednesday - Sunday 8 am - 6 pm and your shifts may be between 10 am - 6 pm. 

What is the pay rate like?

Le Gourmand does not disclose their pay rate on the job ad, however, as mentioned as a casual employee you have the right to receive casual loading. 

What requirements do I need to meet to be a successful candidate? 

You will need to:

• Have experience in food retail 
• Have prior barista experience 
• Be an all-rounder, hands-on person
• Be able to provide great customer service

How do I apply for this casual job? 

To apply for the Le Gourmand job vacancy, search ‘Le Gourmand’ in the keyword search box and sort by ‘relevance’ on the spare staff site. Click the relevant job ads, read through the details and click ‘apply’ to submit your application. 

Sales Specialist at Nike Sydney City 

Nike is an American athletic footwear and apparel chain. The Nike store in Sydney CBD is looking for someone to join their team as a casual sales specialist.

Where is Nike Sydney City located and is it near public transport?

The Nike Sydney City store is located at Westfield Sydney on level 1. Westfield Sydney is at Cnr Pitt St Mall and, Market St, Sydney NSW 2000. Westfield Sydney is a minute walk from Town Hall train station and St James train station. 

What are their operating hours?

Nike Sydney City is open Monday - Sunday (excluding Thursday) 9:30 am - 6:00 pm / Thursday 9:30 am - 9:00 pm. 

What will my tasks be?

As a sales specialist, your tasks will include (but are not limited to):

• Answer customer inquiries. 
• Help shoppers locate products. 
• Recommend suitable products. 
• Organise merchandise on the sales floor.  
• Assemble in-store displays. 
• Make sure the sales floor is clean and tidy. 

What are the minimum requirements I need to meet?

To be a successful candidate, you will need to meet the following requirements: 

• Be passionate about the brand. 
• Have strong communication skills. 
• Have excellent customer service skills. 
• Have an outgoing personality. 
• Be able to be on your feet for long periods of time. 

What is the pay rate like? 

Nike does not disclose their pay rate to the public. However, based on the pay rates disclosed by current and previous Nike employees, casual sales associates/sales specialists get between $26 - $28 per hour. This is only an estimation and is subject to change based on the hiring manager, please check the job listing and speak to the hiring manager for the latest details. 

How do I apply for this casual Sydney City job at Nike? 

To apply to this casual sales specialist vacancy, head to rpg careers page and search ‘sales specialist sydney’ in the keyword search box on the right of the page. Click on the relevant job ad and read through the job details. Click ‘apply now’ to submit your job application. 

Game Operater at PANiQ-ROOM 

PANiQ-ROOM is a real-life escape game that provides people with a unique experience to players. PANiQ-ROOM is looking for someone to join their team in the Rocks, as a casual game operator. 

Where is PANiQ-ROOM located and how close is it to public transport?

PANiQ-ROOM is located at 13 Cambridge St, The Rocks and is a 2-minute walk from the Museum of Contemporary Art. The nearest train station and light rail is Circular Quay train station, which is a 7-minute walk from PANiQ-ROOM. 

What are the operating hours?

The operating hours of PANiC-ROOM are Monday - Wednesday 12 pm - 8:30 pm / Thursday - Sunday 12 pm - 10:30 pm. 

What experience do I need and are there any requirements I need to meet?

This position is considered a ‘no experience’ job thereby there is no need for prior experience as a game operator. However, having the following skills can help you be a successful candidate:

• Excellent communication skills in English
• Friendly/caring personality
• An ability to work within a team and build relationships
• Motivated and well-presented

This role may lead you to a permanent position as PANiC-ROOM are keen to invest in your training. 

What will my tasks be?

As a Game Operator, you will be expected to guide players in their experience in the escape room. This means that you will brief them on the room, and any rules and regulations that they need to know prior to commencing the game. You will then monitor the plays through the cameras. 

Your tasks also include (but are not limited to):

• Running groups through the escape room and a variety of puzzles
• Resetting the puzzles and sanitizing the rooms in between each game
• Providing immersive clues to the guest in character.

This casual job seems very exciting, how do I apply? 

To apply for this casual position at PANiC-ROOM and search ‘PANiC-ROOM’ in the keyword search box. Sort by relevance and click on the appropriate job ad(s) for you. Read through the job ad and click ‘apply’ to submit your application. 

Christmas Casual Client Advisor at Tiffany & Co. 

Tiffany & Co. is an American luxury jewellery and speciality retailer. They sell jewellery, sterling silver, stationery, fragrances, crystals, accessories and personalised goods. Tiffany & Co. in their Sydney Flagship Boutique and in Westfield Sydney are looking for Christmas casuals to help out during one of their busiest sale periods. 

Where are the Tiffany & Co. stores located?

Tiffany & Co. are looking for Christmas casuals to join their teams Australia-wide. Their Sydney stores are located at

Tiffany & Co. Flagship Boutique:

175 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000.

Tiffany & Co. Westfield Sydney:

Located in Westfield Sydney at ​​31, Pitt and Market Streets Level 4, Shop 4029, Sydney NSW 2000.

 Both stores are located close to Town Hall and St James train station. 

What are the operating hours?

Tiffany & Co. Flagship Boutique:

Monday - Sunday (excluding Thursday) 10 am - 6 pm / Thursday 10 am - 7 pm

Tiffany & Co. Westfield Sydney:

Monday - Sunday (excluding Thursday) 10 am - 6 pm / Thursday 10 am - 8 pm 

What are the minimum requirements?

To be considered you will need to meet the following requirements:

• A minimum of 1-2 years of sales and customer service experience.  
• Effective and engaging communication skills with English fluency 
• An ability to multi-task and a passion to be of service to others 
• A sense of humour and fun! This is the most wonderful time of the year. 
• Full availability over the period September 2022 – February 2023 including late night trade and weekends.  
• Ability to attend a Seasonal Recruitment Event for your application to be considered. These will be held on  Monday, 29th August and Tuesday, 30th August at the Tiffany & Co. Sydney CBD Head Offices. 

What will my tasks be?

As a client advisor at Tiffany & Co. you will:

• Ensure the Tiffany & Co. experience is delivered to every online and retail client, via phone, messaging, live chat, email, and extending to virtual and in-store consultations.
• Strive to overachieve your monthly sales plan and service level targets, and continuously exceed our client’s expectations.
• Manage diverse client needs for multiple channels, including Retail stores, eCommerce, and Customer Service departments, including new sales, after-sales support, product care, customer services and other general inquiries.
• Have a strong ability to develop cross-functional relationships in a fast-paced environment, and closely collaborate with other Client Care Advisors, Distribution Center team, eCommerce team and Client Advisors from stores.
• Create loyalty to the Tiffany brand through consistently high communication quality, as measured by the voice of the customer.
• Proactively recruit new clients to the brand by discovering your client’s profile and covering any penitential business opportunities.
• Consistently develop your client Book, and outreach to local clients to elevate the relationship to drive repurchase and high-end collections.

How much will I get paid?

Tiffany & Co. does not disclose how much they are paying Christmas casuals. However, based on the experiences of prior employees, it seems that Tiffany & Co. offer a pay rate of $24 - $27 per hour to Christmas casuals. Nevertheless, this is only an estimate and your pay rate may be higher or lower than the estimation. Please check the job ad for the latest details and/or speak to the hiring manager for further enquiries. 

How do I apply for this role? 

To apply for the role of Christmas Casual at Tiffany & Co., you will need to go on Tiffany Careers' job search page and search ‘Christmas Casual Sydney’ to view the relevant job ads. Click on the job ad(s) that are relevant to you and click ‘apply now’ at the bottom of the page to start and submit your application. 

What are temporary jobs?

Temporary jobs, also known as temp jobs or gigs, are similar to casual jobs in the sense that temporary jobs do not have contractually guaranteed hours of work and do not receive the benefits of permanent workers such as sick leave or annual leave. Temporary jobs occur when businesses need a short-term solution to fill in gaps in their business, such as when a permanent employee is on leave or sick; to cover a short-term role that has a definite end such as for a project; or to help during busy periods. 

A big difference between casual and temporary work is that often temporary employees are hired through a temp agency or a recruiting agency, whereas casual employees are hired directly through the business. Sometimes temporary work can lead to permanent positions, depending on your performance and if there are vacant positions within the business. 

Depending on the agreement, as a temporary employee, you will be expected to commit to the agreed schedule and time frame, such as committing to 9-5 Monday to Friday for 3 weeks. As opposed to casual jobs, you are not entitled to casual loading and you do not have much flexibility, however, you are able to get paid overtime. 

How long is a temp position usually?

There is no specific time period for temporary jobs, as it is dependent on each business, however, on average temp jobs can last from 3 to 6 months. Some gigs can last for a day or for a year if you’re on a big project and/or if the business is experiencing a busier period than expected. 

Pros and cons of temporary jobs 

With every job, there are pros and cons. Below I have listed the advantages and disadvantages of temporary gigs so that you can decide if temping can be beneficial for you. 

Pros 

• Potential to move into permanent roles 
• Flexibility of jobs 
• Developing new skills 
• Ability to fill out your resume by trying different roles in different industries 

Cons 

• Jobs can be very short 
• Lack of stability 
• Financial inconsistency 
• Lack of job entitlements 
• Too many temp jobs on your resume may look pay to future employers 

What are my rights as a temp worker?

As temporary workers are in the business for a short fixed term, many people have the prenotion that temporary employees do not have the same rights as permanent workers. Fortunately, this is not the case.

Temporary employees generally are entitled to the same legal protections as permanents workers, such as the right to fair wages and overtime pay, and the same protection from discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful termination.

How do I get a temporary job in Sydney?

As Sydney is the commercial centre of Greater Sydney, many businesses are located in or around Sydney City. There are many temporary jobs in almost every industry, from the IT industry to the hospitality industry. Below, I have listed 3 temporary jobs in Sydney City that I think are great opportunities for job seekers who are looking for flexible work. 

It is noted that these roles are through temp agencies/recruitment agencies so details on location and pay rate are dependable on the hiring recruitment agency. These roles are immediate start jobs, so don’t wait too long and start your dream role now!

3 best temporary jobs in Sydney that are hiring now!

Multiple temp positions — Receptionist, Administration and Data Entry through QUBE Recruit Consult 

QUBE Recruit Consult is a recruitment agency that specialises in finding office & business support, sales & marketing and retail/FMCG. QUBE is looking to fill in various temporary positions for big corporations from reception/front-of-house positions to data entry positions.  

Where is QUBE located?

The QUBE offices are located at Level 2/383 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, which is a 4-minute walk from Sydney Tower and a 3-minute walk from Town Hall station. 

However, you will be working at different locations for different businesses, depending on your preference. Additionally, you have the option to work from home, hybrid work, or work in the office. 

What do I need to know about this role?

Qube Recruit Consult is looking for temps in all industries from Government, Corporate, Creative, Education and anything in between. They have various roles available which include same-day receptionist roles to positions that include providing longer support. Many of their roles are not advertised online, therefore they recommend that you register your interest so they can directly offer you temp positions that suit your skill set and preferences. 

How can I apply for this role?

To apply for the temp jobs at QUBE Recruit Consult, head to the QUBE Recruit Consult website and click on ‘jobs’ in the drop-down menu in the right top-hand corner. Click Sydney in the locations tab and ‘contract’ in the work type tab and press search. Click on the job ad(s) that are relevant to you and click ‘apply now’ at the bottom of the page to submit your application.

Corporate Receptionist through Charterhouse 

Charterhouse is a recruitment agency that offers temp to permanent roles in the following disciplines: procurement, accounting, human resources, marketing & communications, policy, strategy & communication, profession support, rail, engineering & construction, and technology. Charterhouse is looking for an experienced corporate receptionist for one of their clients in Sydney CBD. 

Where is Charterhouse located and where is the job located?

Charterhouse is located at Level 10/80 Pitt St, Sydney NSW 2000, and the temp role is at Wynyard train station.

 About the role: 

As the corporate receptionist for this established organisation, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the front office/receptionist area to meet and greet staff, visitors and clients to the corporate head office. Daily hours will be 8:30 am-5:00 pm.

Charterhouse are seeking candidates with a proactive, hardworking nature that are extremely customer focused and will provide an exceptional service to visitors and staff. You will provide a welcoming experience to the front-of-house area of the corporate head office.

What will my tasks be as a corporate receptionist? 

As a corporate receptionist, daily tasks will include (but are not limited to): 

• Meeting and greeting visitors/clients upon their arrival.
• Managing the front desk, switchboard, meetings rooms, diary & email management.
• Developing a general knowledge of the company’s business and customers.
• Setting up of meeting rooms & organising drinks/catering.
• Organising and monitoring couriers for pick-up and delivery, ensuring timely notification and distribution of incoming items.
• Daily office coordination.
• Providing support to the EA/Admin team as required.
• Providing support and assistance to the facilities team on an ad-hoc basis.

What are the requirements I need to meet to be a successful candidate?

To be a successful candidate, you will need to encompass the following capabilities and skills:

• Exceptional attitude, immaculate presentation, communication and interpersonal skills are key to success in this role.
• At least 1-2 years of Corporate Reception / Front-of-House experience is preferable.
• The ability to deal with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to self-manage and work well under pressure.
• Efficient and competent in Microsoft Office suite.

How do I apply?

To apply for this corporate receptionist job vacancy, search ‘Charterhouse corporate receptionist’ in the keyword box on the indeed job search page. Click on the relevant job listing(s), read through the job details and click ‘apply now’ at the top of the page to submit your application. 

This is a temp to perm role, which means that for the right candidate and depending on their busyness, you may be offered a permanent role with the business. 

Receptionist with Beaumont People

Beaumont People is a recruitment agency in Sydney CBD, that offers temp to permanent roles in various disciples including corporate services, customer experience & sales, education, charities, associations & memberships, information & communication technology, health and community services, and consulting & profession development services. Beaumont People is looking for a temp receptionist for their client. 

Where is Beaumont People located and where is this temp role located?

Beaumont People is located at Level 29/259 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, and this receptionist role will be based in Surry Hills, close to Central train station. 

What is the pay like?

The pay at Beaumont People is $30.95 per hour + superannuation. This may be subject to change, so please check the job details for the latest details. 

What will my tasks be?

As a receptionist, your key responsibilities will include:

• All general administration and Adhoc duties
• Being the first point of contact for all guests, meeting and greeting all stakeholders
• Answering phone calls and transferring calls to relevant departments using the switchboard system 

What requirements do I need to meet to be a successful candidate?

As a successful candidate, you will ideally have:

• Previous experience in front-of-house in either a customer service or reception position is essential 
• A friendly and professional manner
• Excellent communication skills
• Exceptional organisation and coordination skills
• Ability to commence immediately

This role is an immediate start role that will be ongoing until September 2nd, so availability during this timeframe is a must! 

How do I apply for this position? 

To apply for this Beaumont People job vacancy, search ‘receptionist beaumont people’ in the keyword search box on the Jora job search page and click on the relevant job listing(s). Read through the job details and click on ‘view or apply for job’ at the top of the page to submit your application.  

Overall, casual and temporary jobs are beneficial to job seekers who want to try out different positions, who want to fill out their resume with different work experiences and/or who want to work in a flexible role. Although casual and temporary jobs sound similar, there is a major difference between the employment types, especially in terms of employment periods i.e. temporary jobs are often ongoing and fixed to a specific timeframe, whereas casual jobs are allocated per shift. 

As with every job and employment type, there are both pros and cons to casual and temporary jobs. I recommend that as a job seeker, you weigh out the advantages and disadvantages of each role to determine if it is suitable for you, your schedule and your skill set.