5 Tips On Landing That Part-Time Job

By Francine Fluetsch on August 24, 2016

While you are in school, it can be hard to find a part-time job, especially with your crazy school schedule and time that you have to set aside for homework.

But the bills have to be paid somehow, and jobs are going to look good on your resume to prove that you are both smart from school and also have a work ethic and experience, so the sooner you can get a part-time job under your belt, the better.

Now, getting one of these is easier said than done. I know a lot of students who have had a very hard time getting a part-time job because these jobs are limited and therefore they are able to ask for a lot. Since you want to ensure that you will be their top choice, here are some tips about how to score that part-time job.

Get an on-campus job.

While these jobs might not be the most glamorous, they are your best bet if you have a busy school schedule. Other companies will see your availability and throw your application into the trash since you can’t work enough hours that are in their favor, but on-campus jobs understand that you are going to make school a priority and will help you with your schedule as much as they can.

On-campus jobs also allow you actual time off for the holidays since the school is closed, so you can be home with your family without having to deal with blackout days at another company. On-campus jobs also allow you to work with intellectuals who will be great sources for letters of rec, and there are always opportunities to get more responsibility and move up in your on-campus job.

unsplash.com

Make a positive first impression.

When applying to a place, try and make sure you get the application in the store rather than online, unless they specify for you to apply online. The reason for this is that you get to make a first impression, and hopefully it will help you stand out. Make sure to dress nice on the occasion, be on your best behavior, and if the manager is in, maybe see if you can chat with them about the position. Let them know when you will have the application in by, and make sure to tell them how much you look forward to hearing back from them.

Follow up.

More times than not, after you apply for a part-time job, they aren’t going to call you back. Sometimes they forget, and sometimes they want to see who wants it the most, so if you don’t call them, you don’t get the job. I know, I know, it can be awkward to call, but by now the hiring manager or HR is expecting for you to call. Give it a few days after you send in your resume and then if you still haven’t heard from them, give them a call or shoot them an email.

So what exactly should you say? You should keep it short and sweet, and maybe say something like: “Hello Mr/Ms blah blah, it was wonderful meeting you the other day. I was just wondering if you could possibly tell me the status of my application?” and that’s pretty much it.

You can also go back in person to ask about it. You want to be persistent about it, but not annoying, so don’t try and follow up the day after you send in your paperwork or anything.

Use your connections.

If you have a friend working a part-time job, see if they can get you an in. They will be able to tell you when the company is looking for people, can tell you what the interview process is like, and can put a good word in for you. If they are the manager, even better! The worst that they can say is no, so there is no harm in asking them. I actually got my first part-time job because my best friend was the assistant manager and she was best friends with the manager, so it worked out really well.

Don’t be expecting any favors though. You want to prove that they were right in hiring you or putting a good word in for you, so don’t let them down. Just because you have a friend working there doesn’t mean you get special treatment or anything, and you definitely don’t want to put them into an awkward position.

Attend job fairs.

Instead of angrily searching the internet for part-time jobs, why not attend a job fair or two where they are waiting for you to put your resume into their hands? Many colleges host job fairs right on campus, and your university or college career center should be able to provide a list of companies coming to the job fair so you can brush up on them before attending and impress the companies with your knowledge of their ideals and such. These companies at job fairs are great because they know that you are a student and are going to have a class schedule that you will also be responsible for.

Job fairs aren’t just for the present, and if you get lucky, you might be able to score a company that will be begging for you when you graduate. Definitely make some time to attend the fairs and see if there is anything that tickles your fancy.

These are just a few tips on how to get a part-time job. Everyone has to start somewhere, but with some persistence and a little bit of luck, you’ll score that job, make some money, and boost your resume for your future endeavors.

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format