part-time jobs: more bang for your buck

We speak to hundreds, if not thousands of young people every year who start off thinking  they have nothing exciting to write about themselves. No excitement factor that might make them stand out from the crowd in a CV for a job, or a uni personal statement.
 
How wrong they are.
 
Even if you’re not an Olympic medallist, a young Einstein, or the world-record holder for number of bubbles blown with a tarantula in your mouth, you can paint your years of experience in a way to make sure anyone hearing about them is left wanting more.
 
A great place to start? A part-time job.

Sounds dull as dishwater, but a part-time job is something attainable that will set you apart from the crowd. If a group of people with the same grades and background apply for one job, uni place or training scheme, but one person has a part-time job, they’re going to stand out.
 
That’s because jobs, even small ones, can help you to develop skills you won’t even realise you’re building. Think…
 

• Customer service and communication
• Teamwork
• Cash handling and financial responsibility
• Resilience and perseverance
• Dedication
• Time management
• Organisation

 
Not to mention the extra cash in your back pocket. If you don’t currently have a part-time job, have a think about looking for one.
 
They could  be something traditional, like bar/restaurant/coffee shop/supermarket work, which can be a great start in developing your soft skills while working flexibly around your studies.
 
You don’t have to stick to these, though. Think outside the box – are you arty? Sell something handmade on Etsy, or your artwork online. A whizz at a particular subject? Have a look into online or face-to-face tutoring. If you’ve got an eye for a bargain, think about selling preloved clothes and items online.
 
What we’re trying to say is there’s no one-size-fits all option for a part-time job – you have the freedom to make it fit your schedule and your interests.
 
Sure, you may not love the job you’re in at the moment, and you may not see yourself there forever. But it’s a great starting point, a great thing to add onto your CV and personal statement, and you’ll (hopefully) never be needing to beg at the doors of the Bank of Mum and Dad for cash for your food shop.