Financial planning for an uncertain job market - part 3: how to get a part-time job

We’ll be offering tips on how to find the right vacancies, including sectors that are most likely to be hiring, and how you can use the experience to enhance your full-time job prospects. And, as ever, we’ll have lots more advice on financial planning during this difficult time, not just in terms of getting more money, but also avoiding debt and learning how to take a tighter rein on your budgeting.

In case you’ve missed it, this is part of a new series we’ve been running over the past few weeks looking at ways to get back on your feet having lost a job, the implications for family finances, and where to start looking for new employment. Keep checking back here as there’s plenty more still to come, including ways to make your CV shine, interview tips, and even advice on how to start your own business.

• Why should I consider a part-time job?
• How can I find a part-time job?
• Are some industries more likely than others to be offering part-time work at present?
• What pitfalls should I avoid before applying?
• What’s the difference between part-time work and a temporary job?
• How can I make my money last while I’m applying for jobs?

Why should I consider a part-time job?

A few months ago it was possible to view unemployment as a temporary blip on an otherwise positive career trajectory. However, with the Covid-19 pandemic showing no signs of abating, and the economic outlook more uncertain than ever, it’s time to start getting realistic about job prospects. While it’s fine to continue holding out for that dream position, it makes sense to consider alternative options to support yourself while you’re waiting. Taking a part-time job (fewer than 35 hours a week) could leave enough time to continue chasing your career, while still supplementing dwindling finances.

As we approach Christmas the pressure on our purses is likely to grow further, exacerbated by the fact many people who have lost jobs this year are likely to be reaching the tail end of their redundancy money. The extra income from a part-time or temp role could be just the lifeline that’s needed to see you through a sticky period.

But part-time work shouldn’t just be seen as a safety net – it could be a springboard to a whole new way of working. Many people find the experience intensely liberating, as it frees you to look outside the careers ‘box’ you’ve put yourself in and experiment with something completely different. These new paths could lead in surprising – and ultimately fulfilling – directions in themselves. At the very least they’ll offer vital new skills, contacts and experience that could help you stand out from the crowd when applying for the job you’ve always wanted at a later date. Basically, part-time work doesn’t have to be a ‘second-best’ – view it as a real opportunity to make money, find out more about yourself, and build up your CV.

Remember, too, that as a part-time worker you’ll still enjoy the same rights as your full-time colleagues, including rates of pay (redundancy and sick pay too), holiday and leave (including maternity/paternity leave), pension entitlement, promotion opportunities and training. Of course these are often pro rata, meaning it will be in proportion to the hours worked. If you’re not sure, ask on your induction day or consult your employment contract.

How can I find a part-time job?

All the usual ports of call apply for part-time jobs as they do for full-time. Look back to Part 2 of this blog series, ‘How to find a new job’, for the lowdown on everything from your local Jobcentre to online jobs sites. The latter lend themselves particularly well to people who are looking for positions with reduced hours because the site-provided filters let you narrow down your search depending on your time constraints. Simply select ‘part-time jobs’ to instantly save yourself the hassle of wading through pages of unsuitable positions. Some websites allow you to be even more specific – see if your profile includes the option to state when you’re available to start and hours that aren't convenient.

And cast your net wider too – being open with friends, families and former colleagues that you’re looking for part-time work is only going to increase your chances of finding out about new opportunities, perhaps even before they’ve been advertised.

Once you’ve found some positions that might suit, research the company as thoroughly as you can, not just to help compose a decent application, but to understand how the job might help your future prospects and build on your existing skill set. Before going any further, make sure you’re satisfied this position is something you want. TotalJobs.com says: “Sometimes it can feel like you’re trading in your skills and doing something you’re entirely overqualified for, and with that comes the risk of boredom and stagnation.” If that’s the case, concentrate on vacancies that offer a chance to take initiative, claim ownership of tasks, and offer experiences that will complement the way you see your career ultimately progressing.

Are some industries more likely than others to be offering part-time work at present?

Most people associate part-time jobs with the retail and services industries, but the Covid-19 pandemic has thrown up some interesting opportunities in other areas too. Take accounting and finance, for example. Navigating government support schemes, plus payroll and staff fluctuations is proving a real headache for some businesses without the part-time support of people from finance backgrounds or who are analytically organised.

The therapy and health sector is also worth investigating given the spotlight that’s currently being placed on overall health – both physical and mental. While these options would obviously require a healthcare qualification to apply, there are more and more opportunities out there, especially if you have the technological nouse to capitalise on the demand for remote wellness or telehealth services.

Generally, part-time work was one of the fastest-growing areas in the country pre-Covid. The Daily Mail reported recently that, after the last recession, 97% of jobs created in 2010 were part-time. While the pandemic has obviously depressed the current jobs market, you should be confident that opportunities still exist to find a job that fits around your current needs, skills and schedule.

What pitfalls should I avoid when applying?

While part-time work is less of a commitment than a full-time role, you’ll still need to be sure you can manage the hours. Look carefully at what the job listing specifies. Most will ask what your availability is, and we recommend you be 100% honest. There’s no point promising more than you can deliver – it could cost you your job just as soon as you’ve started, with little chance of securing a good reference. If you can only manage mornings, or around school hours, be upfront. If you’ve more flexibility, shift work might be ideal. But be sure that what you’re applying for isn’t going to disrupt studies or home life more than you bargained for.

On the subject of hours, note that many part-time positions have a high turnover as they’re traditionally populated by students or people using the job as a stop-gap until something else comes along. Use this to your advantage by highlighting in your covering letter and (if you’re given the chance) at interview that part-time work is your actual preference rather than just a temporary measure.

Another pitfall when applying for jobs likes these is failing to recognise the importance social media can play in weaning out applicants. As well as scrutinising your CV and covering letter, assume most employers will look you up on social media too if you’ve an online presence. A bit of basic housekeeping here (deleting any embarrassing posts, photos or videos, or changing your settings to private) is advisable to spare your blushes and give you a better chance of securing an interview. On the flip side, you should also be thinking how you can use social media to your advantage – for example updating profiles to reference any relevant qualifications, experience or skills.

Finally, be aware that applying for a part-time job takes exactly the same time and effort as trying to snag a full-time position. It’s by no means the easier option back into employment. You’ll need to customise every covering letter and CV you send off so that it’s tailored to the job spec, and research the company as well as you can beforehand. If you’re invited to an interview, take it seriously, dress appropriately and arrive punctually.

What’s the difference between part-time work and a temporary job?

Temp jobs are short-term positions that can last for anything from a few days to several weeks or months. Indeed, it’s not uncommon for someone who starts at a company in a temporary position to be offered a permanent role if and when one becomes available. However long the job may last, most temp positions specify that the applicant can start work immediately.

For that reason, definitely don’t rule temp work out if you’re looking for a bit of extra income quick. As well as getting more money, however, you’re also likely to benefit from the experience and contacts you gain in the same way you would with a part-time position. Simply getting out of your comfort zone can also be a boon, boosting your confidence when it comes to applying for other roles elsewhere.

Most of the big job sites will let you update your profile to let recruiters know you’re free to start work straight away. With some, like reed.co.uk, you can also edit your availability at any time on a seven-day window via the availability settings section. It advises: “You can update your settings whenever you like: the more you do, the better your chances of being hired.”

How can I make my money last while I’m applying for jobs?

It’s all about scrupulous financial planning, including making sure you’ve a close eye on exactly what’s coming in and going out of your accounts. Budgeting tools can help you out here. One option is getting a prepaid card, which you top up. There is no credit overdraft so it’s a practical way to ensure you stick to what you’ve loaded on it. However, be aware of the fees that come with some of these cards. Once you’ve weighed up the pros and cons, you can find out more and compare prepaid cards by visiting our comparison page.

Remember, it’s vitally important to keep on top of your spending while you’re looking for work. Even after finding a job, continuing to pay close attention to family finances can help your part-time salary go further. We’ll have more tips on how you can do this in future blogs, as well as continuing our general job-hunting advice. Next up: how to give your CV the edge in what’s becoming an increasingly crowded – and competitive – jobs market.