Tips for landing a part-time job
Tips for landing a part-time job
Posted by on September 9, 2013
If you have the time and if your academic schedule allows for it, a part-time job can be a welcome addition to your life. You get to meet new people and earn extra cash, and a part-time job can provide you with a much-needed mental break from studying and feeling like a slave to your homework.
Now, to show you that I’m speaking from experience, here’s my part-time employment history: ice cream scooper, tele-researcher, grocery store cashier, returns counter associate, sales associate, student union president, freelance journalist and part-time event planner. Wow, that was a walk down memory lane!
All of that to say, I have some advice for those of you hoping to land a part-time job:
Be flexible about work hours. This is a big one and mostly because, during the academic year, many part-time employees limit their availability to accommodate their academic schedules and the conflicting demands of student life. While your situation is likely no different, it’s important that you stretch every minute to increase your odds of being available at a time that works for the employer. I’ve seen people whose résumés have been set aside because they aren’t available for enough hours. I’ve also seen people with résumés with open availability who are interviewed on the spot, or called back immediately. Being available only on weekends likely won’t be enough. You have to be flexible.
Know the business. Don’t expect to land a job without doing your research. If you’re applying at a clothing store, dress in the store’s clothing or similar clothing, or if you’re applying at a restaurant, you should know the menu. In all likelihood, the first question at the interview will be: “Why do you want to work here?” Don’t feed them lip service by saying how passionate you are about their store. Show them instead. You should have a response ready that is specifically tailored to that business.
Smile and be approachable. If you’re shy, it’s important that you try to smile and maintain eye contact. We’ve all been there. It’s incredibly intimidating to sell yourself as confident if you’re naturally an introvert. Try your best to give a positive first impression. If you plan on applying for a job where you interact with customers or clients, having an approachable friendly disposition can make all the difference when the employer decides who to hire.
Name drop. If a friend of yours is currently working, use them as an opportunity to tap into the hidden job market. Do they know if their manager is scouting for new talent? Would your friend be willing to vouch for you? Have these conversations in advance so that, if you’re called for an interview, you can drop your friend’s name. Try something like this: “My friend Jamie actually works here, too. She always says how much she loves it here and how she thinks I’d be a great fit. It sounds like the perfect opportunity.” The employer will likely speak with your friend about you. If you’ve positioned yourself well with your friend, good things are sure to be said about you!
Other than that, landing a part-time job sometimes comes down to timing. You know the saying, “the right place at the right time”?
Good luck in your search. If you have any tips that have worked for you, please share them in the comments or on our Facebook!
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