By Heather Moose

When searching for a job, you must begin with the end in mind. Job placement success does not happen by magic, but by making smart, strategic moves to make sure you find the right fit for your interests and abilities.

This is especially important when looking for a part-time job, because whether you’re working to get initial experience, for a little extra cash, or to reenter the job market, you want a job that you can do and do well; and you want some level of satisfaction from it. Whatever your reason for seeking a part-time job, there are a couple of general ideas to keep in mind during the stages of the job search process.
 

Become the Purple Cow

The purple cow is a marketing concept that says in order for companies to compete in the marketplace, they must have some sort of unique selling proposition to get buyers’ attention. The same principle applies to a part-time job search. There are probably dozens of other candidates, if not hundreds, applying for the same jobs that you are.

So how does your application NOT end up in the recycle bin? You must begin by doing an inventory of your skills, capabilities and interests. What unique qualities can you bring to the job? What are your strengths? What evidence do you have of these strengths in action? Once you know your capabilities, figure out your motivation for seeking part-time employment. Then, look for jobs that will match your needs and interests.
 

Jobseeker, P.I.

Before you apply, check the company out. Do a little research online and then ask around to see if anyone has ever heard of the company to learn more about their reputation. How is the work environment, formal or casual? How do they treat their employees? Do they offer any incentives for working there beyond a paycheck? If they are a chain or franchise, how does the location you’d be working in measure up with other locations nationwide?
 

Who are You?

Different people seek part-time jobs for different reasons. Some want an employee discount while others want an opportunity to socialize and make new friends, and some want to broaden their skills. Even with a general understanding of why you want the job, depending on where you are in life and your motivation for part-time employment, there are specific factors to consider.

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Working Professionals. Many nine-to-fivers have interests outside of their existing job. If you find yourself in this category, you may be looking for a part-time job that will give you a break from your daytime routine to explore your hobbies. And some folks need to supplement their income short-term or even long-term. Whatever the reason, when you are in the throws of your part-time job search, don’t forget:

• Job flexibility can be extremely important, especially if your full-time job periodically has projects and commitments that require you to work late or over weekends. Find out how much scheduling flexibility there is with your part-time employer.
   
• Use your expertise or hobbies as a source of interest for your second job — between the daytime gig and moonlighting, you’ll be working a lot, so you may as well have fun.
   
• Seasonal and long-term part-time jobs are two different animals — make sure you’re clear what you’re getting into before you accept the position.

Part-time jobs are an essential resource for the job market. And with the variety of jobs available, there’s a little something for everyone. To find the best job for you, take your time, use a reliable part-time jobs website to initiate your search, do research, and ask questions before applying.

Heather Moose is the Marketing Manager for Snagajob.com, the nation’s largest site for hourly full- and part-time job listings, with more than 117 million annual job searches. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Snagajob.com was started in 1999 to connect hard-working people with great hourly employment.

SOURCE: TeachMarket.com – The Extra-Bucks-For-Teachers Resource

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