Part Time Job Search Tips

Are you looking for part-time work? Here are some time-saving tips that will help you find a part-time job fast:

Be Prepared. Have a telephone answering machine or voice mail system so potential employers can get in touch with you. Also be prepared to interview on-the-spot and even to get a job offer immediately.

Job Search Engines. Search the part-time job sites. These sites focus on part-time and hourly jobs or they have a sophisticated search engine that will enable you to search quickly for part-time jobs in your location. In many cases, you will be able to apply online.

Apply Direct Online. Many major employers of part-time workers, like JC Penny, FedEx and Walmart, accept online applications. Visit the web site of companies you are interested to see if you can apply online.

What You Need to Apply Online. The online applications I reviewed asked for your contact information, educational background and employment history. You will need to know when you worked and what you were paid at your previous jobs. You may also be asked what days and hours you are available to work.

Be Alert. If you are interested in retail employment, keep you eye out for "help wanted" signs in store windows when you're at the mall or in town. Ask the Manager if the store is hiring if you don't see a sign.

Check the Ads. Review the Help Wanted ads in your local newspaper and pennysaver regularly. Many small employers advertise in the paper, rather than listing online.

Apply In Person. Applying in person is often the best mechanism for finding a part-time job. When you apply, your attire should be neat and tidy, hair and fingernails well groomed and your shoes moderate.

What to Bring. Bring the information you'll need to fill out an application, including n ames and addresses of previous employers, dates of employment, references, and a resume if you have one. If you're a teen, bring your working papers. Be prepared for a brief on-the-spot interview. Know when you are available to start the job and what hours you can work each week.

Have References Ready. Have a list of three references including name and phone number and email address ready to give to interviewers. If you don't have employment references use other people, like people you have babysat for or neighbors, who can vouch for you.

Keep Track. Make a list of the companies you have applied to. After an interview, jot down the name of the person you spoke to. It's easy to forgot or get mixed up when you are applying for several jobs. This way you will be prepared if you get a follow-up phone call.

Get Help. Utilize free or inexpensive services that provide and job search assistance such as high school guidance offices, college student employment offices and career services offices, state Department of Labor offices and your local public library.

Use Your Network. Be aware of the fact that many, if not most, job openings aren't advertised. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for work. Ask if they can help. Just recently, I have heard about someone getting hired for a position that her dentist told her about. Someone else got an internship because he mentioned he was looking at a birthday party. While an acquaintance was offered a job over the phone by an employer his friend had given his resume to. Networking really does work!