|
As college students, stay-at-home parents, and retirees look to earn some extra money, part time jobs are becoming more popular. That's good news for employers too. Many companies prefer to hire part-time workers, since these employees are usually not entitled to benefits. This gives companies access to a relatively inexpensive workforce, and the part time job seeker a chance to earn some extra money without the commitment that a full time position requires.
Finding Part Time Jobs
Let's say you're a 15 year old, and you're interested in working in a retail store. A good way to go about finding a part time job is to take a walk through a local mall or even through the retail center of your township. Many stores advertise through Help Wanted signs posted right in their windows. Chances are that at least one store in a local mall is looking for someone to fill in part time.
Part Time Jobs for Students
One advantage that students have when looking for a part time job is that they are out of school in the summertime. Nearly every large company with a call center has a need for part time workers over the summer months. These workers are used to backfill for full time employees that are taking vacation. Unlike some professional jobs, where the work can wait until the person returns from vacation, call center jobs are just one example of work that needs to get done regardless of vacation schedules.
Many colleges also work with local companies that provide for internship opportunities to students. In some situations, the student can earn college credits while working. At the very least, the internship provides the student with work experience that is challenging, and will also look good on their resume. To find out what services your college might offer, you need to find the department in your school that deals with career placement and planning.
Finally, the Internet is a great place to start your search for a part time job. There are many online companies that specialize in this area. In fact, later in this article we're going to talk about some of those online resources.
Part Time Jobs at Home
If you're looking for a part time job that you can work from home, then take a look at our publication Work at Home. There you will find information on the types of jobs you can do from the comforts of your own home, including starting your own business.
Since you're the boss, you can set your own hours - meaning most work at home jobs can easily be converted to part time jobs.
Part Time Jobs Online
There are some online resources that specialize in part time jobs for teens, college students, hourly workers, and adults. In fact, it is possible to find summer and seasonal part time jobs that may be flexible enough to provide you with some additional money and still fit your lifestyle.
The following online websites specialize in listing part time jobs:
- SnagAJob.com - lists only hourly and part-time jobs. If you're not looking for a full-time job, then SnagAJob is an excellent site to start your job search.
- Groovejob.com - offers part time and hourly jobs for teens and college students across the United States. GrooveJob also includes listings of volunteer jobs and internships.
- CoolWorks - if you're interested in a seasonal part time job, CoolWorks is the place to start your job search. CoolWorks specializes in finding seasonal or part time jobs in some of the coolest places on earth.
- Monster Hourly / Part Time Jobs - Monster's Hourly and Skilled part time jobs database is searchable via keyword and geographic location.
Getting Ready for a Part Time Job
While the code of conduct for a part time job is not as strict as full time employment, there are still some rules that you can follow to increase your chances of landing a job. One of the first things you should do is prepare a resume. Many people seeking part time work mistakenly believe that they do not need to have a resume. That's wrong!
By preparing a resume, you are demonstrating that you are serious about getting a job. Employers like people that take work seriously. It also separates you from the rest of the crowd by leaving a good impression with a potential employer. If you don't have a resume already prepared, then take a look at our article on Resume Writing Tips.
Interviewing for a Part Time Job
If you are asked to come in for a job interview, don't worry about running out and buying a new business suit just for the meeting. Employers understand that the workforce seeking part time jobs do not have business attire hanging in the closet dedicated to interviews.
Make sure your appearance is neat and clean. If that means getting your hair cut then do it. Employers believe interview candidates will show up to the meeting looking to make a good first impression. If you plan to go on an interview wearing sweatpants, then you might as well stay home.
If you go on a job interview, then make sure you follow up afterwards. This is something that will increase your chances of getting the part time job you're after. Employers like it when job candidates take the initiative to follow up with them. Again, it helps to make a good first impression. Don't get "pushy" with the company about a hiring decision. A follow-up call about a week after the interview to ask if a decision has been made is appropriate. You can also use that opportunity to answer any questions that might have come up after the interview.
Job Seeking Success
Finally, be prepared for disappointment. Sometimes part time jobs just disappear for no apparent reason. They are given to relatives or close friends; sometimes the work just goes away. Don't get discouraged by a "thanks, but no thanks" response you might hear. Finding a part time job takes a lot of hard work, and a little bit of luck.
About the Author - Part Time Jobs
Copyright © 2005 - 2010 Money-Zine.com
|