Finding a part-time job

By Owen in Student Jobs.

Finding a part-time job is the quest of the majority of students at university. It is generally the best way to fund your education and your student life, simply because a job provides a relatively stable income. It’s a case of you selling your time for money, hopefully on a regular basis. Other ways of making money, as described on this site, are mainly a short-term cash injection. So well done for at least reaching this page because a job can be important to students in many different ways.

First of all, a job is money… and cash flow is crucial for a happy student life. This is why most students go for a job whilst at uni, unsurprisingly! On top of that: you’ll meet new people, gain solid work experience for your CV, improve your time management skills, and be more in control of your finances. So there’s lots of good reasons to get a part-time job.

Despite this, many students struggle to find work. There’s always work somewhere, it just isn’t always well advertised or what you want! Bar jobs are snapped up quick, and so are the high street vacancies. If you are finding it difficult, and need the money, think outside the box a little. Try going through a recruitment agency or job site. If you have a skill, such as photography, try getting work in that area.

If you have friends working, ask them to let you know when a vacancy turns up. Staff referral is the most popular method used for recruitment – it saves advertising costs amongst other advantages. Don’t give up, keep sending out your CV, with a cover note for the specific job. Student jobs have a high turnover, people come and go all the time.

There is a very informative handout (download PDF) put together by the excellent Careers Service at the University of Manchester to give students an in-depth guide to successfully finding and applying for a part time job whilst studying at university. It is concise and a must read for every student looking for a part-time job and thinking it must be impossible.

It covers:

1. Why is part time work important?
2. Where can I find part time job vacancies?
3. Information for International Students
4. National Insurance and Income Tax
5. Applying for a part time job
6. How to spot scam job advertisements
7. The job vacancy
8. What are employers looking for?
9. How to show you are right for the job
10. Writing your CV
11. Two page CV example
12. CVs- Top Tips
13. Your covering letter
14. Application form tips

Download it here for free! (PDF)