The GMACS Part-Time Job Guide Part 1: How to Find Part-Time Work
Welcome to the first part of our two-part guide all about part time jobs. In this guide, we’ll help you explore all your options as you start to navigate the world of work. In the first part, we’ll cover how you go about finding part time work. Let’s dig in!
Working, for most of us, is a must. We all aspire to one day get our dream jobs. However, before we can get to that point, there’s a lot for you to get to grips with. This may well begin with part time work while you study, so read on to find out about how that all works.
There comes a time when you are ready to enter the world of work. Some people will jump in headfirst and start an apprenticeship straight after school. However, many choose to pursue A levels, T Levels, or a degree. This means that you could start your first job while you study for these courses – leaving you working part time and juggling work and study.
According to The National Students Union, 69% of the students that took part in their survey worked part time alongside their studies. Getting your start in the working world can be very exciting. It means you’ll develop valuable skills, gain independence, and you’ll be earning your own money for the first time! Having a part time role while you study can be hugely beneficial for your long-term success, and it can help you in the short term too with a boost to your financial freedom.
However, navigating the world of work can be confusing and difficult when you don’t have the right resources. How do you get started? How do you find work? And what about keeping things balanced?
That’s why we’ve written this article to demystify the whole process and provide you with support and advice on how to find the right part time job for you, and how to manage the responsibilities of that role alongside your studies.
What type of roles could be right for me?
When searching for the right part time job, there are some job roles that we naturally associate with doing alongside our studies. This is often for good reason. Roles in hospitality and customer service are some of the most popular job roles and can be very varied. These roles can offer a lot of flexibility, which is ideal if you are studying.
Other popular job options are receptionist roles, cleaning or warehouse work. For those of you who are over the age of 18, delivery driving and teaching support are also good options.
How do I write a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?
To get the job you want, you’ll generally need to start by making your very own Curriculum Vitae, often known as a CV or resume. Your resume is an effective way to show an employer who you are and what skills you can bring to the role. Although it may cause you to cringe with embarrassment at the sheer thought of talking about yourself, let alone your achievements – it’s got to be done. It’s time to brag about those skills you’ve been humbly hiding.
To create your own CV, you can find valuable advice in this Curriculum for Life article about how to apply for your first job, which also includes advice on interview techniques. This resource can be a helpful tool for you to use to get that part time job.
Many organisations value similar, general skills such as communication, problem solving, and teamwork. It’s best to know which ones deserve an honourable mention in your CV and how to incorporate these into your interview answers. Linking your experiences to scenarios you’ve found yourself demonstrating these skills is a perfect way to impress potential employers!
If you are concerned about your lack of credentials , getting some work experience on your CV is a great way to build your resume. There are many ways to do this. Many charities and community groups are happy to take on volunteers who are happy to help. Now, there are also options to get virtual work experience to boost your skills. Working for free can be frustrating, however these experiences could lead on to more opportunities and should really help bulk out that CV. We all must start somewhere!
Where do I look to find a job?
Now this is where things can become more complex. There are so many ways to find work, especially considering how many different platforms we have access to nowadays.
Starting with more old school methods, some businesses are still open to taking paper CVs, especially smaller, local businesses, like pubs and cafes. Additionally, a lot of smaller businesses that may not advertise publicly. You may find that it’s worth plucking up the courage to give them a call or even pay them a visit to enquire about jobs!
In saying that, there are a lot of organisations that don’t accept paper CVs anymore, as bigger organisations tend to only accept applications online and only when they are recruiting. So, it’s best to keep this in mind before going through all that effort.
There are many job searching websites you can use, many of which you can find with a quick Google. Remember to be careful about giving websites you don’t trust your personal data and stick with established sites and job boards that you trust.
It’s also important to consider social media. Due to the popularity of these platforms, many businesses post their vacancies on their company pages to advertise job openings. That mindless scrolling we all do for hours could work to your advantage!
Always be mindful about where you’re applying to, and this also goes beyond the application stage. If it sounds too good to be true, the likelihood is that it may be. Ask yourself, is the organisation reputable? What are your first impressions, and do you see yourself working there? Will the work be doable around your schedule ? Remember that you don’t need to jump at the first opportunity you find. And, if you don’t like the sound of something, maybe it just isn’t for you, and that’s okay!
What about flexible options?
If fitting work around your schedule is your concern, then you could consider flexible working options. Flexible working is a contract between an organisation and employee where you are not obliged to work set hours and your hours can be agreed week to week. By typing “casual” or “flexible working” options into your chosen search engine, you’ll find many companies advertising roles of this nature.
Alternatively, another way to work on a casual basis is by signing up to agencies. With agency work, you sign up as part of an agency, and the agency offer you short term, temporary roles with other businesses.
There are many agencies that offer people the opportunity to work when they want to. There are also now apps that notify you of businesses looking for additional help on a temporary basis.
The great thing about agency work is that it allows you to turn down work if need be. If you have an important deadline coming up or an exam, you can decline work without about seeming uncommitted.
However, there may be times when you can’t rely on flexible or agency work, as it can be inconsistent. Remember that if your hours aren’t set in your contract, the company can reduce them whenever it suits them. You also won’t get to enjoy getting used to having a team of colleagues around you, if you are doing agency or very casual work.
All work has its advantages and disadvantages!
Navigating what type of part time job is right for you will not be the same for us all, but like everyone that has done it before you, you’ll eventually find your feet. Hopefully by using the information in this blog, you can navigate your journey to find the right part time job for you.
Oh, and one last thing. Good luck on your job hunt!
Keep an eye out for part two of the GMACS Part-Time Job Guide, where we will be exploring how to find balance between work and study once you start working.
