Unemployment and Part-Time Workers
Looking for a Part-Time Job When You’ve Been Laid-Off
Part-time workers are often overlooked in the recession-speak, but they comprise a vital part of the workforce AND rely heavily on those part-time wages to sustain their lives. Under the stipulations of many state UIB laws you may be recognized as a part-time worker if your situation dictates you only are able to work part-time.
Looking for New Part-Time Work: When a Resume is Not an Option
You are certainly welcome to apply for a part-time job with a resume and cover letter, but in many cases your best bet is to be as stellar as possible on the application. And certainly for many part-time job search sites you may not have an option to upload a resume or produce a cover letter. Your user profile and job applications will speak for you. Check out our Tips for Part-time Job Seekers below.
Find Out If You Are Eligible For Unemployment
Click this link to find out if you are eligible to file for unemployment:
Am I Eligible To Collect Unemployment Benefits?
Part-Time Job Application: Making an Impression
Everyone wants to set himself or herself apart—it’s that rugged American Individualism. HOWEVER, when it comes to interviewing and applying for a part-time job you must stand out in a positive way, particularly when you don’t have a resume to present.
- Hand-written applications must be very legible
- Include accurate and complete information: past employers, job titles, hourly wage, responsibilities, all contact information
- Be concise and complete on job skills, show improvement from job to job
- If you are filling out an application on site be prepared to meet a manager and possibly participate in an on-the-spot interview: be dressed appropriately, have a resume just in case one is welcome
- Be cautious with sporting body piercings and ostentatious tattoos—truth is that these could color a manager’s decision, rightfully or not.
Part-time Job Opportunities in Recession
Reality is that some of the better job opportunities right now are in part-time jobs. Many employed full-time workers are already being forced to acclimate to work schedules more akin to a part-time job in order to save their jobs. Employers committed to employees and being well-positioned for economic stimulus are working overtime to convince their employees that this is the better option.
You’ll find that most of the online employment search sites maintain jobs categorized as part-time, freelance, and contract—those not considered full-time permanent. Search for the following types of part-time jobs:
- part-time permanent
- part-time temporary
- telecommute or work-from-home jobs
- seasonal part-time
Tips for Part-Time Job Seekers
Tips for getting noticed in a part-time job search:
- Complete your online profile as completely and accurately as possible
- Double check the accuracy of contact names, phone numbers and email addresses: have a list of these prepared ahead of time so you are not scrambling for information again and again.
- Have a respectable sounding email address for yourself—avoid using some campy version you chose with friends. There are plenty of free email accounts and if nothing else set one up just for your job-hunt.
- You must have a cellphone if you’re going to be competitive in a part-time job search.
- Provide reliable references, both professional and personal—these should be people you respect, who respect you and who are willing and able to have a professional phone conversation that paints you in a good light. Check with them ahead of time and ask their permission.
- Show job skills that improve over time. If you can bring skills—from basic accounting to customer service– to a job you are much better positioned than most of part-time job competitors.
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