Applying for part time jobs

How do I apply for a part-time job?
Even a part-time job needs a serious and good quality application, so don’t rush it. The application is your chance to make a good impression. There are many ways of applying for part-time work – some informal and some very formal. But regardless of the application process you will usually need a cv, references and documents. Have everything ready.

Application forms
If the job is being advertised you may need to fill in an application form

  • Print off the application form and read the instructions
  • Prepare your responses – then paste them in
  • Be concise – but provide examples when you can
  • Check, check and check again
  • Send a copy to your referees

Speculative job applications
If you have heard (or guess) that there are part-time jobs available then don’t wait for the advert to come out.

  • Do some research into the company – what are they looking for?
  • Find out the name of the contact person
  • Post or drop in a covering letter and a short CV
  • State what you are looking for and how you heard about the job
  • Be prepared to be interviewed on the spot

Top Tips

Always keep a copy of any job applications in case you are invited to an interview. It’s useful to remember the things you wrote or didn’t write, and helpful for your next application.

Do some research on into the organisation and try and use this in the application.

Give examples of relevant work experience e.g. if you are asked to demonstrate how you have worked as ‘part of a team’ this means when you worked as a team member not as a team leader.

Have someone check your CVs or application first in rough and then your final copy.

 Use good quality paper and a good printer for typed CVs and letters, use black ink for application forms.

The Careers Centre

The University’s Careers Centre is open throughout the year and you are welcome to pop in and use their information resources. The Job Zone has part time jobs and information about job applications, CVs and interview techniques, and the Careers Zone contains information about types of work and making career decisions. During semester time, you can drop in to see a Careers Advisor on Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunchtimes if you wanted to talk things through. This normally takes around 20 minutes and you don’t need an appointment. See www.worcester.ac.uk/careers for further information or email careers@worc.ac.uk

Personal safety
Application forms that ask you to send money or bank details are probably a scam.