7. Getting a part-time job

So, you’ve been checking out job listings, and guess what? You stumbled upon a job opening at a cafe near your college. How lucky is that? Now, it’s time to apply for the job.

When it comes to applying for casual/part-time jobs, there are a few different ways the employer might want you to get in touch. Some places might want you to just show up for an interview, others might want you to call them first, and then there are those that prefer you to send in your resume before anything else happens.

You need to be ready for all of these possibilities and more.

VIA THE PHONE

If they want you to call them first, the goal is usually for the boss or manager to chat with you on the phone to see if you’re a good fit before they invite you in for an interview. If the job you’re going for doesn’t involve a lot of interacting with customers, you don’t have to worry too much about being super charming. What they really want to know is when you can work, what you expect from the job, and if you seem like a friendly person.

When you make that phone call, find a quiet spot to talk where there’s not a lot of background noise. Have your resume in front of you and be ready to answer some common questions:

1. Tell them a bit about yourself.
2. Do you have any experience doing this kind of work?
3. When can you work, like what days and hours?
4. When could you start if they hire you?
5. How far do you live from the cafe?

VIA EMAIL

If you’ve got an email address from the job posting, the easiest way to reach out is to send them an email. In the email, you can tell them you’re interested in the job, let them know when you’re available, and attach your resume. You can also ask them when it’s a good time to chat on the phone.

Here’s an example of what your email could look like:

Subject: Application for Kitchen Hand Position

Hey there,

I’m Emma Watson, and I saw the kitchen hand job listing on <XYZ website> for your cafe. I’m really interested in this gig, and I’m ready to start next weekend if I’m the lucky one you pick.

I’ve attached my resume to this email so you can check out my background. I’m also up for a quick phone chat if that’s something you prefer before setting up a face-to-face interview. I’m free to talk on the phone every day from 9 am to 11 am, and on Fridays, I’m available from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Looking forward to hearing from you, and I hope you find the perfect fit for your team.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
Emma
(You can call me Em!)

Tip: Always keep the email short and simple. Business owners or recruitment managers rarely have time to read long emails from candidates.

THE RESUME

To make your resume really pop and grab their attention, focus on highlighting the key information they’ll be looking for:

1. Introduction: Start by introducing yourself clearly. Mention your name and any other essential personal details.
2. Objective: State what kind of job you’re seeking and why you’re a great fit for it. This is where you explain why they should pick you.
3. Work Experience: Showcase any work experience you have, especially if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. Mention the positions you’ve held, where you worked, and the skills you gained.

Remember, it’s all about making a strong first impression and quickly showing them that you’re the right person for the job!

Tip: If you need some templates to prepare your resume, check out the ones in Canva! If you don’t have an account, sign-up using my referral link!

THE INTERVIEW

Let’s break down how to handle that all-important interview, especially if it’s your first one and you’re feeling a bit nervous. The key here is to be well-prepared:

1. Punctuality Matters: Make sure you’re on time, ideally arriving at least 15 minutes early. Plan your travel route if it’s an unfamiliar area, check the bus or train schedule, and leave extra time for unexpected delays.
2. Essentials in Hand: Carry a copy of your resume. If you’re a student, bring your university schedule just in case it comes up during the interview.
3. Dress the Part: Dress neatly and appropriately. A casual, clean, and well-presented outfit is usually a safe choice. It’s important to make a good impression on cleanliness, personality, and appearance.
4. Be Professional: During the interview, be concise and to the point. Listen carefully to the questions and respond thoughtfully. Avoid excessive talking or unnecessary jokes.
5. Know the Job: Familiarize yourself with the job duties before the interview. You can go a step further by researching other kitchen hand duties to show you’re proactive and interested in going above and beyond.
6. Ask Thoughtful Questions: After the interview, thank the interviewer for their time and have a few well-thought-out questions ready. Inquire about work culture, expectations, and the customer base. Avoid asking about salary at this stage; they will likely discuss it later if they offer you the job.
7. Rest Up: Ensure you’re well-rested the night before the interview. Being fresh and alert will help you perform your best.
8. Thank them! Once you have left the interview location, send the employer a nice email thanking them for their time and your starting dates. They will appreciate it very much.

Remember, preparation is your key to success in interviews!

I hope the above has helped you. I just wanted to share the above because I’ve followed them myself, it’s worked for both part-time and full-time jobs, and I thought it would be good to share with the world!

Good luck!