7 Resume Tips for Part-Time Job Seekers
Whether you’re a single mother or looking for a part-time job to bring in some additional cash, understanding how to convey your search for a part-time job can be challenging.
Most candidates understand the importance of a resume and the need for it to spell out to the employer what exactly they are seeking.
Employers cannot, unfortunately, read an applicant’s mind, so it is up to the applicant to properly and adequately convey what they are looking for.
These 7 resume tips for part-time job seekers will help you to convey and customize your resume for all part-time positions.
Doing so will help employers to avoid any confusion and to better allow them to match your resume with a pool of open, part-time positions.
Each application is unique, and each employer requires a different set of skills and requirements.
However, by stating your wants and needs upfront, you will be able to better serve yourself and a future employer.
If you are among a growing number of job applicants looking for part-time job opportunities, it is best to begin customizing your resume to match them.
You will want to be specific, direct, and upfront with the employer on what you are looking for and what flexibility you need.
By being direct and honest from the get-go, you set yourself up for success and for being able to find the part-time role that works for you.
Utilize the Summary Section on Your Resume
When applying to part-time roles, you will want to state directly and unequivocally at the top of your resume that you are searching for a part-time role.
Many employers, especially when reviewing resumes from applicants who are employed full-time, may be unsure of an applicant’s understanding that the role is part-time.
The onus is, therefore, on the applicant to ensure that they convey their wish and desire for a part-time role.
Similarly, if you need certain levels of flexibility or are only able to work on certain hours, you should state so directly within your summary section.
This will help to avoid any confusion, frustration, or embarrassment later on as the interview process moves forward.
Within your summary section, you should state, “Looking for a part-time opportunity” or “Looking for a flexible position that will allow me to work between the hours of”.
This way, the interviewer will have a clear, direct idea of what you are looking for and will be able to accommodate your needs from the get-go.
State Why You Want a Part-Time Role
While it may seem awkward and uncomfortable in the beginning, stating why you want a part-time role can be helpful to create a relationship with the interviewer.
They will have a better understanding of why you are looking for a part-time role and will be more willing to accommodate your requests.
However, you don’t need to get too personal on why you want a part-time role.
It should suffice to state something to the effect of, “Seeking a part-time opportunity to provide flexibility for my family and I” or “Pursuing a flexible, part-time opportunity that will allow me time to look after my children during the day.”
By providing the why behind the reason, you will find employers are oftentimes more receptive to accommodating your request.
In addition, the employer will understand, from the get-go, that you have other priorities and will only be able to be present and able to work within a certain timeframe.
Provide Additional Clarity in Your Cover Letter
Cover letters, as compared to resumes, are an applicant’s time to shine and provide a “sales pitch” on why the employer should interview, and ultimately, hire them.
Whereas a resume is straightforward, without too much personalization, a cover letter is meant to convey the person behind the application.
As-such, cover letters are a great place to provide your request for a part-time role.
In addition, you can follow-up with your request with the why you are looking for a part-time role.
As cover letters are written in a paragraphical format, you have more leeway in writing and discussing your request and needs.
Highlight Your Accomplishments
While every resume should highlight your accomplishments, skills, and achievements, you will want to customize your resume to do so specifically for a part-time role.
This means that you should look to highlight and expound upon previous work you may have done at another part-time role or discuss how you were able to achieve certain deliverables at a previous part-time role.
While you do want to state from the get-go your desire and need for a part-time position, you don’t want to come off as demanding without allaying fears or concerns.
As-such, you should look to allay an employer’s concerns by discussing previous part-time roles you had and how you were able to be an effective, integral member in that role.
Doing so will help the employer to see that you have the capability to be a successful employee, even in a part-time role.
In addition, it will help thee employer to have a better understanding of your previous work history and how you have been able to find success in it.
Utilize Your Network
While there are a plethora of job sites which show part-time jobs, you will want to take advantage of your network as well.
Utilize your network on LinkedIn or reach out to alumni on LinkedIn to assist you in narrowing down your search.
While intimidating in the beginning, reaching out to your network can significantly speed up the process and help you to find a position that works well for you.
Apply with Precision
Similarly, you do not want to go with a gung-ho approach to applying for positions.
Look through multiple job boards, including LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor for part-time work opportunities.
You can also look through job boards specifically created for part-time, flexible roles.
The main one is FlexJobs and they look to cater to candidates looking for part-time or flexible work opportunities only.
Think Outside the Box
While applying to retail or part-time office work may be your go-to, you can also consider other, less traditional opportunities.
This can include driving for Uber or Lyft.
In addition, you can look to meal delivery services such-as DoorDash, Seamless, or GrubHub.
While less traditional, these services are generally easier to apply to and begin working for and allow you the flexibility to set your own time and hours.
Lastly, you may consider working from home opportunities.
Many large, well-known, and Fortune 500 companies have work from home opportunities.
While difficult to locate, they are generally more flexible and allow you to maintain a more fulfilling work-life balance.
