Sick of Commuting? Time to Look for a Part-Time Job

There are many reasons you may be searching for a part-time job — you could be a stay-at-home parent, a student, struggling to find a full-time position, or simply wanting some supplemental income. Regardless, you’ll want to do some research and create a plan before jumping into your job search.

This should include how you will search for a part-time job, what kind of position you're looking for, and how you will juggle your job search with everything else going on in your life.

When finding part-time jobs, you need to make sure they're flexible and don't restrict your other commitments. Otherwise, you'll have a hard time juggling both things. This guide discusses how to find part-time job opportunities, what to look for, and how to make the most of your job search.

What are part-time jobs?

A part-time job is a job that usually requires working fewer hours than a full-time job. It can be either an hourly or salaried position, and it often provides more flexible hours than a traditional 9-5 job.

Part-time jobs are great for people who need to work around other commitments, such as school or parenting. Plus, they are often easier to get than full-time jobs. They can also be a stepping stone to a full-time position, providing valuable experience and references.

Examples of part-time jobs

Part-time work is available in a wide range of industries, such as retail, hospitality, construction, and healthcare. You can find part-time work in both the private and public sectors.

As evident from the chart above, part-time jobs pay particularly well in dentistry, pharmaceuticals, and the media industry — though a lot of times, these jobs also require extensive education.

Some other decent-paying examples of part-time jobs include:

• Retail jobs

• Waitressing or bartending

• Delivery driver

• Nanny

• Freelancing or contract work

• Stock clerk

• Graphic design

• Administrative services

• Order processor

• Package handler

Why you might need a part-time job

There are many reasons why people choose to work part-time. For some, it is a way to earn extra income. Others may be stay-at-home parents looking for a way to keep themselves busy and productive.

Nearly 25.42 million people were working part-time in the US in 2021. The number of part-time workers keeps increasing every year as more young people enter the workforce. Here are some reasons you might work part-time:

• Unable to find a full-time job: People looking for a full-time job but can't find one often take up part-time jobs. It is prevalent among millennials who are struggling to enter the workforce.

• Earn extra income: Many people take up part-time jobs to earn extra money. For instance, you may work part-time jobs to earn cash for additional expenses, such as childcare or healthcare.

• Flexible schedule: Part-time jobs often offer more flexible hours than full-time jobs. It can be beneficial for people who have school, childcare, or other commitments.

• Get work experience: Part-time jobs can provide you with valuable work experience, especially if you're still a beginner in your field. For instance, before you start working as an accountant, you can take up a part-time job working as an accountant's assistant.

• Post-retirement work: Some people work in part-time positions after retiring from full-time careers. It helps keep them active and engaged while bringing in extra income.

Where to look for part-time jobs?

While the most common way to find part-time job posting is online, with the influx of different job services it can feel overwhelming when you first start.

Plus, online isn't the only way to find jobs even though it may be the most popular currently. Don't underestimate your local resources and the power of word of mouth.

Newspaper listings

Newspaper listings are still helpful for finding part-time jobs, even though most companies prefer posting online. But if you're looking for part-time opportunities locally, you should also check out your newspapers.

Luckily, you can also find newspaper classifieds online today since most of them are now on the internet.

This handy feature can help you sift through all job ads, but you might have to pay for it. Some newspapers charge a small one-time fee, while others require a subscription before allowing you access to their classifieds section.

Job boards and listings sites

Online job boards are gold mines for finding part-time work. When searching for jobs on these sites, be sure to use keywords like "part-time," "remote," or "flexible" to find positions that fit your schedule.

Jobcase is an excellent example of a job board where you can find just about any kind of part-time job. All you have to do is search for the job you need.

Let’s say you want a part-time job as a front desk receptionist. What do you do? Simply type the keyword in the search bar.

You’ll see a list of front desk receptionist jobs in your area. On the left side, you can also see some filters. If you want to see remote-only jobs, check the box to filter results. You can also filter results based on the distance too.

Your network

Do you have a friend who works at a company that you're interested in working at? Check with them to see if they know of any open positions.

Similarly, tap into your network to see if anyone knows of any hidden jobs. A referral from someone you know is a great way to get your foot in the door.

Local businesses

Another great place to look for part-time jobs is local businesses. Smaller shops and restaurants, for example, may be more open to hiring workers who can only work certain hours. Keep an eye out for job postings in your community and nearby schools or libraries.

No matter where you look, the key to finding part-time work is being proactive and persistent.

Take the time to search for jobs that fit your schedule and skill set, and don't be afraid to reach out to companies directly. With a bit of effort, you should be able to find the perfect part-time job in no time.

How much do part-time jobs pay?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median weekly earnings for a part-time job ranges from $317 to $378. However, the salary may be higher or lower based on the number of hours you work and the job's complexity.

If you take up a part-time role in a specialized field like healthcare or marketing, you might be paid more than doing part-time work in retail. For example, part-time cashiers earn $10.70 per hour. Meanwhile, a part-time marketing assistant earns $16.20 per hour.

If you want to earn more, try working more hours or finding an industrial or managerial job.

How to find a part-time job

Part-time jobs are available in a range of industries, but locating them can be a bit tricky sometimes. Additionally, you have to navigate how your working hours will fit into your daily routine. Here are some tips to make your part-time job hunt a success.

1. Consider your schedule

First off, consider what kind of hours you can commit to working. Of course, it will be based on your current obligations like school or another job.

For instance, can you work on the weekends? How many maximum hours can you work in a day? What time of the day can you work?

Once you have a good idea of the number of hours you can work each week, you can start looking for part-time jobs that fit into that schedule.

2. Update your online profiles and resume

If you have an online profile on a job board or social media, make sure your current resume is uploaded. Many employers look at online profiles before they decide whether to interview candidates. Freshen up your resume with these tips:

• Update contact information: If your email address or phone number has changed, make sure it’s accurate on your resume.

• Check for typos: Review your resume for any spelling or grammatical errors.

• Add new experiences and skills: If you’ve taken on new responsibilities at your current job or learned new skills, add them to your resume.

• Fix the formatting: Depending on when you last updated your resume, you may want to look for a newer template to use. You can also simplify the formatting by using bullet points and cleaner fonts, which will make it easier for hiring managers to read.

• Use keywords: Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to help them screen resumes. These systems look for specific keywords that match the job description. To make sure your resume gets past an ATS, include relevant keywords throughout your resume, especially in the Skills and Work Experience sections.

3. Search on job boards

As already mentioned earlier, you can search for part-time jobs on different job boards. Most job boards also have additional features, such as setting up job alerts, which can notify you when new jobs that match your search criteria are posted.

Some websites even let you get in touch with the recruiting company's hiring managers through the platform.

For help navigating the hiring process, Jobcase has a resource center where you can get all the assistance you need. Plus, there’s a community of job seekers, employees, and employers on Jobcase for you to take inspiration or advice from.

There are a few different ways to search for part-time jobs on job boards. You can either browse through the available jobs or use the search function to narrow your options.

You can typically search by keyword, location, and job type when using the search function. For example, you could search for “part-time customer service jobs.”

4. Sign up on a freelancing platform

You could also sign up for a freelancing platform like Fiverr, where you can offer your services for a set price and complete short tasks.

Freelancing platforms offer an easy way to get started and can be a great way to build your portfolio. Plus, you can choose when to work and how many hours, making it a flexible job choice for many.

Let's say you have a knack for writing. You can create a profile on a freelancing platform and work as a content writer, as writers are needed in almost every industry.

You can set your rates based on your experience and qualifications. There's always room for growth since you can just increase your rates when you feel like you've built a decent clientele.

5. Be transparent about your availability schedule

Let your potential employer know what times you are available to work and how many hours you can put in daily. That way, they can plan around your schedule and know what to expect.

Don't make any promises you cannot keep, as it will only create a strained workplace relationship with your employer and colleagues. Assess your other commitments before accepting a job.

Suppose you're a stay-at-home parent and your kids are in school till 2 or 3. Let your employer know that you can work from 8 in the morning till noon or 1.

Don't promise to work till 2 when the thought of being late to pick up your children from school interferes with your ability to give your best at work. Be honest with your employer, and they will be more likely to accommodate you.

Land a part-time job right now

Part-time work is a remarkable way to make extra money while still having plenty of time for other activities. If you’re looking for a part-time job, follow these tips discussed in this guide to land a job that helps you improve your industry experience, make extra money on the side, or support your family.

Not sure where to find good part-time jobs? Simply search for your desired position on Jobcase and find listings from all major platforms in one place.