This is especially
important when looking for a part-time job, because
whether you're working to get initial experience, for
a little extra cash, or to re-enter the job market,
you want a job that you can do and do well; and you
want some level of satisfaction from it. Whatever your
reason for seeking a part-time job, there are a couple
of general ideas to keep in mind during the stages of
the job search process.
Become
the Purple Cow
The purple cow is a
marketing concept that says in order for companies to
compete in the marketplace, they must have some sort
of unique selling proposition to get buyers'
attention. The same principle applies to a part-time
job search. There are probably dozens of other
candidates, if not hundreds, applying for the same
jobs that you are.
So how does your
application NOT end up in the recycle bin? You must
begin by doing an inventory of your skills,
capabilities and interests. What unique qualities can
you bring to the job? What are your strengths? What
evidence do you have of these strengths in action?
Once you know your capabilities, figure out your
motivation for seeking part-time employment. Then,
look for jobs that will match your needs and
interests.
Jobseeker, P.I.
Before you apply,
check the company out. Do a little research online and
then ask around to see if anyone has ever heard of the
company to learn more about their reputation. How is
the work environment - formal or casual? How do they
treat their employees? Do they offer any incentives
for working there beyond a paycheck? If they are a
chain or franchise, how does the location you'd be
working in measure up with other locations nationwide?
Who Are
You?
Different people seek
part-time jobs for different reasons. Some want an
employee discount while others want an opportunity to
socialize and make new friends, and some want to
broaden their skills. Even with a general
understanding of why you want the job, depending on
where you are in life and your motivation for
part-time employment, there are specific factors to
consider.
Teenagers
If you're trying to
find a company that offers part time jobs for teens,
you are likely working to save up for a specific item
(such as a car), for extra spending cash, or to set
aside money for your college education. When looking
for a job as a teenager, keep these ideas in mind as
you initiate your job search:
-
If you are over 16,
limit the number of hours you work per week so you
can keep up in school. (State and
federal laws
restrict the number of hours teens under 16 can work
a week.)
- If possible, find a
job close to your home so you or your parents aren't
driving long distances. This will also help you be
on time to your job.
- Get a simple resume
together.
- Don't feel
pressured to accept a job you don't want.
College Students
If you want a
part-time job as a college student you are likely
looking for an opportunity to expand your budget now
that you're paying your own bills. But keep in mind,
you could also get a job related to your field of
study to gain real world experience. When looking for
part-time employment as a college student, keep these
ideas in mind:
- If you're planning
on taking courses while you have the job, make sure
your potential employer is willing to work around
your course schedule which is likely to change from
one semester to the next.
- In your search,
don't limit yourself to your chosen field of study -
explore other options as well.
- Consider a summer
part-time job abroad where you can learn about
different cultures.
- Network, network,
network - talk to as many people as you can about
your chosen field of study to see what job
opportunities are available.
Retirees
Most retirees return
to the job force for one of three reasons: boredom, to
explore a hobby, interest or passion, or to supplement
their retirement income. In 2005, Career Journal,
a supplement to the Wall Street Journal,
reported that seven million retirees had left their
jobs only to eventually return to the workforce. But
before your dive into your new part-time job, consider
the following:
- If it's been awhile
since you worked, you may need to upgrade your
computer skills or other skills to be marketable.
- Is the field you
are entering likely to change? If so, how will your
job evolve?
- Call in the
reinforcements - use your experience to rally the
troops, network, and help you find a job that will
be the right fit.
Working Professionals
Many nine-to-fivers
have interests outside of their existing job. If you
find yourself in this category, you may be looking for
a part-time job that will give you a break from your
daytime routine to explore your hobbies. And some
folks need to supplement their income short-term or
even long-term. Whatever the reason, when you are in
the throws of your part-time job search, don't forget:
- Job flexibility can
be extremely important, especially if your full-time
job periodically has projects and commitments that
require you to work late or over weekends. Find out
how much scheduling flexibility there is with your
part-time employer.
- Use your expertise
or hobbies as a source of interest for your second
job - between the daytime gig and moonlighting,
you'll be working a lot, so you may as well have
fun.
- Seasonal and
long-term part-time jobs are two different animals -
make sure you're clear what you're getting into
before you accept the position.
Returning-to-Work Moms
If you are a mom
returning to the workforce the transition from
overtime mommy to part-time job is no easy task.
Whether you are just getting your feet wet to figure
out if you want to return to the workforce full time,
you want to explore a hobby, or you are needing to
contribute to you family's cash flow, keep these ideas
in mind:
- Do you have
experience in the field you want to enter? If not,
or if your skills are a little rusty, you may need
to upgrade your skills.
- Have a support
system in place in case you need it - back-up
babysitters for the kids, participation in a local
group to support working moms, online forums and
discussion groups to ask questions, share tips, and
get advice, etc.
- Establish whether
you are looking for a part-time job that is short
term and/or seasonal, or more long-term.
- Make sure the
company is family-friendly and flexible for those
times when the babysitter is running late or doesn't
show at all, the kids are sick, or you want to frame
your schedule around your child's activities.
Part-time jobs are an essential resource for the job
market. And with the variety of jobs available,
there's a little something for everyone. To find the
best job for you, take your time, use a reliable
part-time jobs website to initiate your search, do
research, and ask questions before applying.
