20 Quick Student Job Hunting Tips

Your 3 years at uni are 3 of the best years of your life. Fact. However, they’re probably 3 of the most costly. So a great way to avoid semester after semester of beans on toast, a student part-time job is a good way to go. We’ve compiled a list of 20 top tips to help you on your students and graduates job hunt.

1. Get vocal.

Let people know you are job hunting. Word travels fast, and there’s usually always someone who knows someone who needs someone for part time work…just like you!

2. Take advantage of student fairs.

There are always people on hand to help you in your student job search, and sometimes they have connections to employers or recruiters.

3. Enhance your CV.

Ensure it’s the best it can possibly be. Check it, re-check it and check it again. Remember it’s the first impression you are giving employers. For more tips check out 6 Alternative CV Formats To Get You Noticed.

4. Look into summer work abroad.

This is a really appealing option for student jobs, and can be useful if you find a decent enough one with good pay.

5. Hand CVs in everywhere.

Don’t leave a shop unturned! Someone will give you the opportunity, however tiresome it seems. Read more on How to Create an Employable CV

6. Keep an eye out at your Student Union bar.

There’s always jobs going behind the bar and in the shop, and with a constantly buzzing social scene, there’s definitely worse places to get work experience.

7. Be wary.

Some naughty employers will take advantage of your care-free, student nature, so make sure you’re not contracted too many hours, and make sure you’re getting paid right.

8. Use social media for sensible reasons.

It’s not just for sharing videos of pandas sneezing. Use twitter and facebook to follow companies and keep up-to-date with job opportunities.

9. Watch what you post.

Social media is also now being used by employers to help them in their hiring process. Avoid talking about getting drunk 24/7 and posting pictures of yourself with your head down a toilet. Would you employ that?

10. Get friendly with your lecturers.

They’re likely to be able to help you in your job search, or at least help with your CV and cover letters.

11. Sign up to loads of job sites.

The more varied your search, generally the luckier you’ll be. Plus you can receive job alerts too!

12. Look on student websites.

Tons of student websites now have a jobs section, highlighting current vacancies in your town of study that are perfect for students.

13. Advertise yourself for editing services.

Charge your friends and classmates small amounts to look over their essays if you’re particularly punctuation and grammar savvy.

14. Sell yourself.

(In a positive way!) Don’t be afraid to say how wonderful you are on your CV, but maybe word it slightly better than that.

15. Be proactive.

As much as another day spent doing nothing but stewing in your onesie all day sounds appealing, it probably won’t get you a job. Get emailing and don’t forget to pick up the phone.

16. Don’t take rejection personally.

Unless you wrote a ridiculously bad cover letter full of spelling mistakes and profanities, the reason they haven’t chosen you for part time jobs probably isn’t personal. Keep going!

17. Take advantage of the holiday season.

Christmas is a great time to find part-time work, as most stores look for temporary Christmas staff. However, beware this means you’ll most likely be expected to work on dates like Christmas Eve and Boxing Day if necessary.

18. Think outside the box.

Are you creative? Sell your hand-made goodies online. Are you a dab hand with a camera? Investigate sites that pay to use or sell your photos.

19. Ask at the job centre.

It may not seem very appealing, but it’s only temporary, and they’re more than likely to help you find success with part time employment.

20. Be prepared.

Ok, so we pinched this one from the Girl Guides, but it’s a good one. When handing out CVs, some stores will ask you questions, so it helps to be prepared. And obviously, it’s essential to go into an interview with your head brimming full of company knowledge.

Let us know how you get on with your quick job search in our comments!