Five Tips to Find Part-Time Employment
Okay, let’s set the scene. You’re in the middle of your job search, currently unemployed, looking for a full-time role. You separated from the military four months ago and you’re running out of money. Or maybe you’re a veteran who was furloughed in your current role and needs to supplement your income, or maybe you’re interested in starting a new career and need practical experience.
I’m here to tell you that it’s totally acceptable for you to find a part-time job or find an opportunity to supplement your income. If you choose to pursue a part-time role, you won’t be alone. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found 4.6% of men had multiple jobs, while 5.3% of women did in 2017.
If you need to find part-time work, you’ll need to pivot your job search and portfolio. Here are five ways to find part-time work or supplemental work:
- 1. Re-evaluate your resume. For example, you initially targeted a sales account manager role when you developed your resume. Now, you plan to use your professional experience from your time in the military to obtain a part-time inventory specialist role until you can secure the management-level role. You will need to revise your resume and write it in a way that indicates experience and interest in an inventory management role. A hiring manager looking to fill an inventory management role will want to know you can handle inventory, so those are the skills your new resume should reflect.
- 2. Your LinkedIn profile should align with your resume. You’ve revamped your resume to apply for inventory specialist positions, and now it’s time to do the same to your LinkedIn profile. Make sure your LinkedIn presence and resume are aligned. This allows recruiters and hiring managers to better understand your focus and in turn, determine if you’re a fit for an open position.
- 3. Be flexible. What other skills do you have, and what would you enjoy doing? Click here to find some side job ideas to get you brainstorming. Just because it’s a part-time job, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! For instance, I supplemented my income in grad school by dog sitting on Rover.com! Be open-minded and creative.
- 4. Maximize your network. If you need practical experience in a brand new career field, starting a part-time or side job could grow your network. The wider your network, you improve your chances of connecting with the right person in the future!
- 5. Avoid Gaps in Employment. Choosing to pursue part-time work while continuing to search for a full-time role can help you in the long run. Employment gaps stand out to employers! As someone who reviews and writes resumes every day, a part-time job stocking overnight at a retail store looks WAY better than doing nothing.
A part-time position can be rewarding in more ways than one. Whether you’re gaining valuable work experience, pursuing your passion on the weekends, growing your professional network, or increasing opportunities for full-time job offers or promotions, part-time work can contribute to your professional goals.
Now that you’re interested, where do you look for part-time work? Here are some helpful sites to get you started!
Kelsey Wolf-Wallace is a Transition Specialist with Hire Heroes USA’s Junior Enlisted Program. If you’re interested in receiving free career support with Hire Heroes USA, click here to learn more.