Because there are a variety of reasons why you might be looking for a part-time job, the questions you should ask yourself will differ. Are you a college student looking for a part-time job to supplement your income while you pursue your degree? Are you a stay-at-home mom looking for a part-time job to help you re-enter the workforce? Someone who works another full-time job and needs a little extra cash to get by? What you should think about is specific to your situation.
Can you devote enough time to a part-time job as a college student without jeopardizing your grades? Is your current mode of transportation or local public transportation sufficient to get you to an off-campus job? Are you able to consistently report to your part-time job? Remember, most employers don’t care if you have a test coming up tomorrow; they just want someone who can do the job they’ve hired you to do.
If you’re a stay-at-home mom planning to return to work once your child starts college: Is the part-time job something that could lead to a full-time position? Is this a job that will help you improve your resume? If you’re a single mother, keep in mind that part-time jobs rarely provide benefits. If you require health insurance, you must seek full-time employment.
Volunteering is a viable alternative to a part-time job if you do not require the income from a part-time job and are simply looking for a hobor a way to give back to society. Volunteers frequently transition to paid positions within the organization they volunteer for.
If you need a part-time job to supplement your income because your full-time job isn’t covering all of your expenses, you should ask yourself some serious questions. Are you in debt as a result of impulsive spending? Instead of or in addition to finding a part-time job, consider a debt consolidation loan and debt counseling.
If you’ve been frugal with your money but still can’t make ends meet, consider whether your full-time job pays as much as it should. Are there any other jobs in your field that pay better and eliminate the need for you to work a second job? Before looking for part-time work, ask for a raise at your full-time job, but whatever you do, don’t use your financial situation as an argument for a raise, especially if others in your pay grade are sending their children to college on the same salary you are struggling to make ends meet.
If you have no other choice but to work a part-time job while also working a full-time job, make sure the pay is sufficient to cover the additional expenses. If you have to drive 45 miles and pay for parking, the increased costs may eat into your pay, leaving you no better off – and much more exhausted – than you were before taking on a part-time job. Of course, if you’re thinking about leaving your current job, working a well-paid part-time job as a try-out is ideal. But be warned: if it becomes known that you are looking for work elsewhere, your current employer will consider you disloyal and will not consider you for advancement.
In all cases, think about your potential employer’s position. Take a few moments to consider how hiring you can benefit your employer while you’re asking yourself questions about how the part-time job can benefit you, either financially or improving your future employability. If you know the answer, you have a much better chance of being chosen than someone who is only interested in making money.