You want a part time job, but how can you get the right one?

So you want a part time job, but don’t know what exactly. The first thing to do is think carefully about your needs and wants.

What do you want from a part time job?

There are all kinds of part time job options out there, and being clear about what you’re looking for will help narrow them down.

The first step is to understand how many hours or days you want to work each week. Some people prefer to work full days and have full days at home. Meanwhile others prefer to work shorter days and have more time at home in the morning or evening.

You might also consider shift working, weekend or evening roles. Being clear about what will and won’t work for you is an important first step.

Types of part time jobs to consider

The next area to explore is the type of job you want. Are you looking to stay in the same field or pursue a new career?

There are more part time jobs in some sectors than others. Retail, hospitality, healthcare and leisure are good sources of opportunities on a part time basis. If you’re in a role where part time working is less prevalent, might it be worth retraining or seeking an entry level role in a more part time friendly industry?

Where to find a part time job

If you’re currently working full time, the simplest and most obvious route is to put in a flexible working request asking for part time hours. Your employer has to give your request full and fair consideration and can only say no under certain legal conditions.

Alternatively, if you need to find a part time job, online searches such as our jobs page make it easy to narrow down opportunities with part time hours in your local area. You can also search in certain sectors of the job market and for keywords in the job description.

You may want to work for a certain employer local to you, in which case you can search the jobs section of their website for the latest vacancies, or even write to their recruitment team with a copy of your CV. If you have friends or contacts that work there, talk to them. Many firms offer incentives for employees that introduce new starters.

How to get the part time job you want

When you want a part time job you may find that roles are hotly contested. Your application will need to stand out. Always take the time to write a cover letter or at least an introductory message as well as your CV.

Tailor both your cover letter and your CV to the role. Make sure that you highlight skills and experience that are listed in the job description.

If you don’t hear back on your application, or if you aren’t selected and want to understand why, contact the recruiting company. You have nothing to lose by following up!

Once you secure an interview, make sure you prepare thoroughly so that you can give your best performance. Use the time to check that the job is right for you, not just to show that you’re right for the job.

Finally, remember that it can take time to get the part time job you want, so be patient – the right position will come along in the end.

Read more tips on finding a part time job.

• Vote  
• 0
• 0
• You already voted!