How to Get a Part Time Job at University

A quick online search will usually be able to tell you how long the store/ restaurant/ company has been operating, who it’s owned by, what its annual turnover is, if it has a company motto/values. You’ll be able to find it all in a couple of searches. One of the first questions you’ll be asked is likely to be along the lines of “tell me what attracted you to the role” or “why do you want to work for this company?” You’ll need to draw on the research you have in order to confidently answer these questions.

Everyone knows that you have to be honest on your CV, but as a student it’s also worth being honest about your availability in the initial interview. Provide the interviewer with a schedule of your week, highlighting time periods that you can work and any time that you will need off in order to complete research projects or placements that are compulsory for your degree. It is also worth giving your prospective employer a schedule of your holidays and when your exams are. Many tourist attractions are notoriously busy during periods such as Easter/ Spring Break and in the build-up to summer, just when many exams are at universities, while the retail is a lot busier around Christmas and early January. 

If you live away from home and intend to go back once a month, it’s time to mention that too. Otherwise if you secure the job, your employer may not be able to let you have one weekend a month off.

Never go to a job interview without a few extra questions in mind. These could be about pay, whether it be the hourly rate or when and how you are paid, such as monthly or weekly. You can ask questions about the team you’ll be working with, how many staff members there are, what a standard working day is like, and what the uniform or dress code is. Do you get an allowance for the uniform, or is it provided? It’s worth knowing before you leave the interview.

Many employers hold group interviews, especially for temporary work around busy periods of the year. This is a good way to see lots of people in one session, but it can be hard for the applicants to stand out. However, think of this as an opportunity to showcase your great teamwork skills, patience, cooperation, delegation and so much more, backing up everything you’ve claimed in your CV. Show the employer exactly why you’re the one for them. Also make sure you encourage others in your work group; this will show you’re someone who wants others to succeed alongside them, and that is a wonderful skill to have when working to meet team targets and hitting bonuses within the company.

So there you have it! What are you waiting for?… Go secure that part time job!