So, you think you’re ready to dive headfirst into the workforce and lock down your first part-time job?
First of all, congratulations on deciding to take the plunge! Commencing your career journey is no small task; it might be a little bit tricky at the beginning, but if you do your research (and demonstrate a little perseverance), it could be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do!
To help you stand out against other applicants, submit a stellar resume, and pick the perfect part-time job for you, the team at Explore Careers has put together a guide to get you started. Trust us; if you take our advice, you’ll be taking over the workforce in no time!
Why Part Time Jobs Are Worth It
There are so many great reasons to take on a part-time job; we don’t even know where to start!
One obvious reason is to earn a little extra cash. If you’ve ever wanted to hang out with friends after you’ve already spent your pocket money, you’ll know what it feels like to dream of financial independence. By working after school or on the weekends, you’ll be making more than enough to fund your social endeavours. Who knows, you might even be able to put some money aside for a rainy day!
Another great reason to enter the workforce early is to develop your skills and fill out the experience section of your resume! Any first job will help you develop valuable and transferrable skills that will look great on your future CV. Essentially, you’re investing in your future self and making sure you’ll be super employable when you’re ready to work full time!
Last but definitely not least, first jobs can serve as stepping stones that allow you to reach your dream career! For example, if you’re dreaming of becoming a chef, pursuing a line cook role as your first job will mean you’re actively working towards your dream. The same goes for if you want to work in fashion; pick a retail role and start learning the fundamentals of styling! In short, part-time jobs can be more meaningful than most of us give them credit for. All you need to do to make the most of them is develop a clear career plan!
FAQ: All About Part-Time Jobs
If you’re starting out on your part-time job journey, you’ll likely have a tonne of burning questions. If you’re nodding your head nervously, worry not; we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive list of answers to your most popular q’s.
Question: How Many Hours Will I Be Working?
Answer: The number of hours that part-time workers take on varies from person to person. However, it’s important to consider how much time you need to dedicate to school, studying, and relaxation and work around that. According to our sources, this works out to roughly 15-20 hours per week.
Question: How Do I Balance Work and Study?
Answer: The best way to maintain a work/study balance is to set boundaries with your workplace early. Decide on how many hours you’ll realistically be able to work and communicate that to your boss. It’s also important to prioritise regular ‘me’ time in order to avoid burnout.
Question: How Do I Know What Job to Choose?
Answer: The best way to choose the perfect part-time job for you is to create a detailed career plan before you start applying. That way, you’ll know which part-time jobs will help you land your dream job, rather than working in a completely unrelated role. If you’re unsure where to start, you can also check out our career quiz to get inspired!
Question: What’s The Difference Between Part-Time and Casual Work?
Answer: Part-time workers are guaranteed a certain number of hours per week, whereas casual workers aren’t. Both employment types have pros and cons, but if you’re looking for stability, a part-time job is your best option.
Question: When Should I Apply for My First Job?
Answer: The minimum age to start working is generally 15. However, if you don’t feel ready at 15, that’s okay too! The best time to apply for your first job is when you feel ready and know your personal life is in order.
Question: Are First Jobs Important?
Answer: In short, yes! First jobs are incredibly important as they’re your first exposure to the workforce (so you’ll want to make sure it’s a positive experience). They allow you to earn money, develop valuable skills, and work towards your dream job; it’s a huge deal!
The Best Part Time Jobs for Students
As we’ve said before, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all part-time job. When choosing which role to start out in, you should take into account your unique passions, skills, and career aspirations and choose accordingly.
Top 5 First Jobs
If you have no idea where to start, we’ve put together a list of our top 5 favourite part-time jobs for inspiration! Remember, there are a tonne of other options if these don’t appeal to you; all you need to do is start searching job boards!
- Retail Assistant
- Waiter
- Dog Walker
- Babysitter
- Tutor
How To Land a Part-Time Job with No Experience
If you’re new to the workforce, it’s no secret that landing a job will be a little bit harder. However, it’s important that you’re not discouraged by a little challenge; keep trying, do your research, and you’ll lock down a rewarding first job in no time!
If you’re after some specific tips, we have plenty up our sleeves, so sit back, take notes, and get ready to start scheduling some shifts!
Create a Standout Resume
Creating a resume for your first job application is no easy task; after all, what are you supposed to fill all that blank space up with if you’ve never had a job? As it turns out, there’s a tonne of non-work experiences that can be just as valuable on a resume (and trust us, employers love to see them)! For instance, you can include your extracurricular activities, volunteering experience, soft skills and hard skills. You’re spoiled for choice!
Always Include a Cover Letter
While not all job applications require applicants to submit a cover letter, you should be attaching one (especially if you haven’t got any experience to list on your resume). Your cover letter is where you can convince hiring managers to take a chance on a workplace newbie, so don’t waste that opportunity!
Do Your Research
If you haven’t locked down your first job yet, you can’t be expected to know exactly what to expect from the workforce. However, researching the roles you’re applying for will give you a better idea of what they entail and will show your future boss just how dedicated you are!
Start Your First Job Journey Today
With all of our advice under your belt, we think you’re ready to start applying for roles! And remember, if you still don’t know where to start, our career quiz is bound to give you some much-needed inspo!
