5 Tips On How To Find A Part-Time Job As A Kingston University Student

1. Set Your Boundaries
The most important thing about a job search is knowing what does and doesn't work for you. As a student, you're unlikely to be able to work 30 hours a week, but you may be able to fit anywhere between 8-16 depending on your schedule. You might feel uncomfortable with food handling, but excel in customer interaction - if that's the case, you're best applying to retail jobs rather than waitressing. Remember that everyone will have different boundaries in terms of commitment and availability, so make sure to really consider your own rather than copying your flatmates.

2. Update your CV!
If you haven't updated your CV since starting university, there's no time like the present! Having an up-to-date CV shows employers you're on the ball and are actively looking for work, as well as simply being a good document to have on hand in case any sudden career opportunities or internships arise. If you're unsure how to format your CV, check out Kingston University's online careers resource Career Zone for CV templates, interview advice and even a cover letter builder.

3. Write Cover Letters
It might seem strange to write a cover letter for every minor part-time job you apply to - but when jobs are competitive, going the extra mile can make all the difference. Make sure to write a new cover letter for each job you apply to, even if the general format or guideline remains the same, as well as doing a bit of research into each company and what they're doing at the moment. If anything, this'll be great prep for any potential interviews!

4. Start looking for jobs!
Kingston University advertises all of its jobs through the Handshake website (link available on MyKingston), which is a fantastic resource if you're searching for local, part-time work. All employers and jobs are vetted by the Careers teams to ensure both company authenticity and a reliable, living wage, so you don't have to worry about that. If you can't find a job for you on Handshake, make sure to check out recruitment sites like Indeed or Reed - other than that, keep an eye out for any help wanted signs in shop windows!

5. Master Interview Prep
If you have a strong CV and a convincing cover letter, it's very likely that you're going to be invited for an interview. Although this can seem a bit daunting at first, remember there's a few top tips to make interviews as comfortable - dress professionally, use open body language, rehearse the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique when explaining any previous work experiences, and do your research before you go in!

Remember - part-time job vacancies can vary greatly depending on the time of the year, so don't worry if you're having trouble securing a position at the start. Luckily, Kingston-upon-Thames is a fairly busy retail hub - so if you keep applying and updating your CV and cover letters, you'll hopefully find one in no time. :biggrin: