Applying for part-time, temporary and vacation jobs

Applying for part-time jobs can be as competitive as applying for graduate work. There is always competition for the higher paid and more exciting positions so it is important to submit thought through and tailored applications every time. The following hints and tips will help you to become more successful in your job hunting.

CVs

A CV or curriculum vitae is a record of your personal details, education and work experience – a track record of your achievements. However, a CV is also more than that; it's your chance to sell/market yourself to show that you are the right person for the job.

• Include the following information:
  • Full name
  • Contact details (address / professional email address, telephone number)
  • Education, other qualifications and training (in reverse-chronological order)
  • Key skills (ideally 3-5 strongest skills); specialist skills (languages, IT programmes and packages, driving skills, other)
  • Work experience (in reverse-chronological order)
  • Other relevant information – positions of responsibility, extra-curricular activities, personal interests
  • Referees (or a note 'References provided on request')
• Do not include: race, gender, age, nationality, marital status.
• Keep to a maximum of 2 sides of A4, use professional font and neat layout.
• Avoid writing long paragraphs – use bullet points instead.
• Use active and positive verbs to describe your duties, e.g. organised, achieved, managed, took responsibility, dealt with etc.
• Tailor your CV to the position you are applying for – highlight the experiences that are most relevant to the role.
• Referees - include the details of 2 referees in your CV. One can be academic the other should be a recent employer. Friends are less appropriate and you should avoid them if you can. Relatives should never be used. Ask permission of your referees first, give them a copy of your CV and tell them about the type of work you will be applying for.
• Finally ask someone to check the information and spellings for you.

Covering letters

Covering letters are sent along with your CV and give you a chance to highlight any relevant experiences you have that should encourage the employer to choose you for the position.

• Your covering letter should be up to 1 A4 page long and should include the following information:
  • where you saw the position advertised;
  • why you are interested in the role (and company);
  • summary of why you are the ideal candidate for the particular role – highlighting the most relevant previous experience; you may include examples of paid work or any volunteering activities.
• Try to find out who will be choosing from the applicants and address the covering letter to this person.
• Use formal and polite language. Sell yourself and try to convey enthusiasm for the role you are applying for.
• Do not copy and paste your covering letters – it is obvious to employers when candidates do this.
• Include your full contact details and availability (e.g. available immediately, available to work Mondays – Wednesdays etc).

Telephone applications

• Employers who are looking to fill call centre roles or similar jobs may ask you to call them as part of the short-listing process. The aim of this is to assess your communication skills.
• Treat telephone applications as a formal interview – make notes before you pick up the phone, first impressions really do count, speak clearly and with confidence; have your CV and contact details in front of you and be ready to 'think on your feet' and answer questions about your experiences.
• If you are looking for work and it is likely that employers may call you, make sure your answer machine message is appropriate and professional.
• Make notes of the conversation.

Application forms

• Many employers use standard application forms to gather information on potential employees in a standard way so they can compare applicants more easily.
• Consider photocopying the form first and doing a rough draft to ensure you can fit all the information in.
• Check the small print – what colour ink do they want you to complete it in?
• Use your CV to get standard information but make sure you tailor your experience to the job you are applying for and highlight appropriate skills.
• If there isn't enough space then use a blank sheet of paper, use a header with your name and the job you are applying for and include any reference codes in case it becomes detached.
• Try not to leave any sections of the form blank.
• Take a photocopy of your completed application form so you can refer to it if you are successful in obtaining an interview.
• Finally ask someone to check the information and spelling for you

Interviews

• Before the interview make sure you know what to expect – will the interview be informal/formal; how long will it last; will there be any tests as part of it; how formal is the dress code etc.
• Have clear instructions on how to find the location of the interview, make sure you have plenty of time to get there but don't arrive overly early.
• If you are unable to attend an interview make sure you call to let the employer know.
• Prepare - think about what skills the employer is likely to look for and note examples of your experience that demonstrate you have these skills.
• Plan answers to some of the most common interview questions:
  • Why have you applied for this job?
  • What are your strengths and weaknesses related to the role?
  • Why should we recruit you?
• Do your research and find out as much information about the company as possible - check their web site, talk to current employees.
• Dress smartly - but the more informal the interview and workplace the more flexible you can be.
• At the end of the interview you will usually be asked if you have any questions – prepare some questions that you are genuinely interested in. Examples may include: What is the team like that I would be working in? What plans does the company have for the near future?
• At the interview try to relax, smile and show confidence, remember that prospective employers are often as nervous as the candidates themselves. Try to appear polite and friendly and avoid yes/no answers.
• Make sure you know what will happen next.
• If you get the job – Congratulations! Don't forget to inform your job shop of your success.
• If you are unsuccessful call the employer to get some feedback – where did you go wrong and what could you improve for future?

Personal safety

While your job shop will try to ensure that all vacancies advertised are with registered companies or individuals who have adequate insurance to cover employees it is not possible to make detailed checks on every advertiser. Students are, therefore, requested to consider their own personal safety at both the interview stage and during employment.

The vast majority of interviews will not compromise your personal safety, but in order to be sure here are a few precautions that you should take:

• Make sure you tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to return;
• Find out as much about the company as possible before attending the interview; if you have any doubts about the integrity of the company, contact your job shop;
• Ensure that the interview takes place either on the company's premises or in a public place;
• Never allow an interviewer to steer you towards questions of a personal nature;
• Arrange transport if interviews are to take place outside normal working hours;
• Never accept offers of transport from an interviewer unless you are absolutely sure it is safe to do so.

Information sources

Morethanwork website
Information for all working students, developing your CV and understanding employment rights with specific information for international students.

All students: www.nases.org.uk/morethanwork
International students: www.nases.org.uk/internationals