College life is better when you have a little extra in your pocket that allows you to have fun on occasion. That’s where a part-time job comes in. It leaves you with enough time to do your regular college stuff while still bringing in some much-needed cash. Here are 10 tips on how to find part-time jobs for college students so that you can roll in a little dough.
1. Ask Around
If any of your roommates or classmates are currently employed, network with them. They may not know first-hand if the company is hiring, but there’s a strong possibility that they’ll be able to put you in touch with a manager who does. And if the job is working well for them, it’s probably a good place for students.
2. Look for On-Campus Employers
On-campus positions, whether just regular part-time jobs or ones you found through Federal Work-Study, are the way to go for several reasons. For starters, the managers should be willing to work around your schedule because they are accustomed to working with students.
You’ll also earn more money in a less stressful position, all while building your résumé.
And there may be a little time left over each workday to finish up assigned reading, do homework, or study for that upcoming test.
3. Check Out Campus Affiliates
Having a hard time finding a job through your college or university? Check with independent providers on campus, such as food services or the bookstore. When I was a student, Aramark was the largest independent employer on campus, hiring over 200 students in the central food court and at the various dining halls and restaurants around campus.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Work-at-Home Jobs
Telecommuting has risen in popularity over the past few years. If you like administrative or call-center work, there may be a job waiting for you. Check out the company’s standing with the Better Business Bureau to make sure it’s legit before moving forward with the application process.
5. Visit the Campus Career Center
The career center is a free on-campus resource made available to you, so why not use it? It's chock-full of dedicated career counselors waiting to lend you a helping hand. The staff may also be able to connect you with hiring managers at companies that are looking for new talent, but haven’t necessarily posted job openings online.
6. Try Your Hand at Freelancing
Don’t let all your creative talents go to waste. If your skills lend themselves to freelancing, making an online profile is a great way to find part-time jobs for college students. Whip out your laptop and head on over to Fiverr or Upwork to set up a profile, showcase your skills, and apply for freelance gigs. Or you can create your own website and market yourself that way.
7. Consider Nearby Retail Chains
Companies like Walmart and Target frequently have entry-level positions available. You’ll need transportation to and from work, but the jobs are fairly straightforward and pay a decent hourly wage.
8. Go to the Mall
Shopping malls are full of retail shops and restaurants, so why not take a stroll and visit the various stores to ask about employment opportunities? You could also save a ton of time by accessing the mall’s online directory and giving the shops a ring to find out about job openings.
9. Apply for Fast-Food Jobs
I can already picture the face you just made. While fast-food gigs aren’t all that appealing, they’re an easy way to bring in some dough, and it’s not super tough to get your foot in the door. As such, they make for great part-time jobs for college students.
10. Read the Campus Newspaper
When off-campus employers are looking for students to fill positions, they often place ads in the campus paper. So don’t overlook this valuable resource. Instead, grab a copy of the paper each morning and reach out to the employers with the posts that most interest you. But be sure to do it promptly!
More Tips on How to Find Part-Time Jobs for College Students
Once you’ve pinpointed the job you want, there are a few ways to increase your chances of landing the gig:
- Touch up your résumé. The career center is a great resource for this.
- Don’t forget the cover letter. A generic “please hire me” letter won’t cut it. While you’re at the career center, be sure to request additional assistance with a customized cover letter.
- Dress professionally. Entry-level jobs are fairly competitive, so you’ll need to at least look the part if you want the hiring manager to take you seriously.
- Prepare for the interview. Head on over to CareerBuilder or Monster to get a feel for typical interview questions and have a friend (or your parents) drill you.
- Have professional references in mind.
Also, don’t forget to follow up with your prospective employers to thank them and reiterate your interest in the position within 24 hours of the interview. With these tips, you’re bound to find (and land) a great part-time job for students in no time.
