Cultus
Finding a job as a student is tough. It’s hard enough to find time to do your homework, study, clean your room, and see your friends every once in a while. However, the student debt crisis makes it virtually impossible for students to make it through school without having to work part- or full-time. As a student, you may be overwhelmed by the prospect of having to find a job, but doing so may be easier than you think. Here are some tips to find the best student job for your busy lifestyle
Choose the right job for you
As a student in the search for a job, you should prioritize what you want to get out of a job. Make a list of things that you want from your job, such as:
- How many hours do you want to work?
- How much money do you want to make?
- What kind of jobs you are looking for, i.e. kitchen/waitressing, office assistant, paid internship, etc.?
- When do you want to start?
- When do you want to finish?
Writing down your goals will help you in the job-finding process. You want to find a job that fits your schedule, won’t affect your success in your classes, and is not a hassle to get to. A great place to look for a student job is right on campus. This way, you can schedule work between classes without worrying about transportation time, giving you more opportunities to make money. According to the Balance, here are some of the top on-campus jobs for students:
- Barista at an on-campus coffee shop;
- Library assistant;
- Teaching assistant;
- Resident assistant;
- Peer tutor;
- Gym employee.
A job on campus can help you balance work, homework, and classes. However, if you would prefer to start working in a field related to your career, you can also talk to a university career counselor for help. Even retail or food jobs can help you build vital customer service skills that many hiring managers are looking for.
Get your application materials put together
Another reason you might visit a career counselor is to help you put your application materials together. Even if you are applying to an on-campus job, it is still important to have the best resume and cover letter possible as these jobs can get quite competitive.
Most universities will also have online resources to help you build a strong resume so you can prepare your own before discussing it with a career counselor. For example, George Washington University has an online resource on building an effective resume with the following tips:
- Choose the right format;
- State your career objective;
- Categorize each section clearly;
- Focus on readability and key details;
- Don’t be modest.
Some aspects of writing a resume are more straightforward than others, so if you have any questions, you can talk to a professor, career advisor, or a professional in your area of interest. Your resume and cover letter will make or break your chance to get an interview, so it’s important to make them as best as possible using all of your resources.
Once you have sent your application in and you get a call for an interview, you need to do some research. While you should have done some research while you filled out your application, you’ll need to dig deeper for the interview. This should also include preparing for the questions you will be asked. You will need to prepare for generic and directly related interview questions to the field and position you are applying to.
With some planning, attention to detail, and research, you should be able to find the perfect student job that fits your needs.
Author:
Frankie Wallace is a freelance journalist from Boise, Idaho and contributes to a variety of blogs across the web.