College Students: Land a Part-Time Job – Plan Ahead, Be Prepared

Getting a job these days isn’t easy, and it can be especially difficult when you are a full-time, or even a part-time, student. Is it possible to find a part-time job that allows you to juggle work and school? Luckily, the answer is ’yes,’ but it will take work to land a good job. 

Recent unemployment data is encouraging as a whole. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released unemployment data reporting that the nation's official unemployment was unchanged in August 2011 (from the previous month) and held at 9.1 percent. The rate has showed little fluctuation since April 2011.  Depending on where you live or go to school, the news doesn’t get much better. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual average unemployment rates in 2010 rose in 31 states and the District of Columbia, declined in 18 states, and remained the same in one state. The Bureau’s interactive map is helpful to viewing the unemployment picture in your region. 

Landing a good job, even in a turbulent economy, isn’t impossible. Stay optimistic and keep these things in mind when starting your job search: 

1. Plan carefully.What hours are you available to work? Do you have a day off school to devote more hours at work? What are you studying in school? How can you bring those skills into a workplace in the particular field you are studying? This will help you gain experience – which will be necessary in taking the next step in your career once you graduate.
 
2. Concentrate on sectors that are growing. A few industries that are doing well are construction, transportation, warehouse jobs, and healthcare. For more information about what sectors are growing, read the United States Department of Labor’s projections through 2018.
 
3. Do your research. Start your job search by reading the classifieds in your campus newspaper. These jobs are usually aimed at students and flexible in their hours and scope. Then, think beyond the paycheck. Your goal in getting a part-time job can be two-fold. Yes, you need to earn money to help pay for tuition and living expenses, but finding something related to your field of study will also help you gain some valuable experience. Talk to your professors. They may know of opportunities that are unpublished, or may be able to put you in touch with someone who needs help.

An online search is a good place to start. Mention your job search to friends on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media channels. They might know of some interesting opportunities. 

Although sites like CareerBuilder.com and Monster.com have part-time jobs listed, there are also a lot of good websites that feature exclusively part-time and flexible employment opportunities. Take a look at the following:

• CollegeHelpers.com – focuses on part-time jobs from babysitting to wait staff, as well as internships and seasonal jobs.
• JobDoggy.com – focuses on connecting teens and college students with entry-level and hourly jobs.
• SnagAJob.com – focuses on hourly employment and offers networking opportunities.
• CareerRookie.com – focuses on entry-level jobs, internships, and part-time work.

Finally, a stop at your campus Career Center is an excellent idea. They will have job postings, but they will also be able to give you more ideas about how to dress appropriately and how to perfect that resume, among other things. They can start you on the right path towards finding a job, and balancing work, school and everyday life.

Here are some additional tips to landing that job:

• Sell yourself. Create a professional looking, error-free resume, even when applying for a part-time position. Always do your research on the company you will be interviewing with and know its corporate philosophies. Be familiar with the overall company goals and come across as knowledgeable, sincerely interested in pursuing a job opportunity with them, and stand out from the crowd.
   
• Be flexible. If you have your heart set on a specific kind of job, you might not be seeing the big picture. As a chemical engineering major, you might not find anything at the local plant, but you might find an opening at the local pool supply company. And while this is not directly related to your major, you’ll still be certain to learn something new and possibly make some good contacts. Remember that as a student, your schedule varies from day to day. Be sure your potential employer knows if you are available for more hours on certain days when you don’t have any classes scheduled.
   
• Look the part. Dressing “business casual” is appropriate for many part-time jobs, but depending on the job, you may consider wearing a suit. Never wear jeans, tight shirts, shorts, hats, or flip flops to an interview.
   
• Keep your Facebook and Twitter accounts clean. Employers, even those hiring part-time and hourly employees, almost always do background and reference checks. It’s too easy not to these days. And they very often will check out social media sites. It should come as no surprise that even password protected areas can be easily accessed.
   
• If you are interested in retail, apply in person.Walk through the mall or down Main Street and stop in and ask if they have any openings—even if they do not have a “Help Wanted” sign posted.

Remember that the education you are getting will serve you well. Education is the biggest single variable in the success of job seekers in this economy. The February 2011 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics jobs report noted the unemployment rate for college graduates is five percent compared to 11.9 percent for high school graduates. Use this to your advantage by making sure that potential employers are aware of your education and your pending degree.  

You might be interested in more job-seeking strategies, and you may also want to read some additional strategies to help pay for college. Take a deep breath – because you can do it! 

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