Do You Need a Resume for a Part Time Job

When you’re on the job hunt for a part time job, one of the first things you are going to wonder is how to create a resume.  Because a part time job is a bit different than a full time job. They are different animals.

But does that mean that you don’t need to write one? Do you need a resume for a part time job or is it something that you can simply get by calling an agency, or filling out an online application?

Let’s look closer at the part time job situation and see if you do in fact need to write a resume if you’re only looking for part time work.

Are Resumes Different for Part Time vs Full Time Jobs?

No, let’s make that clear. There is no special resume that people write for part time jobs. A resume is going to look similar for any job you’re applying for.

If you are an office worker and want some part time work, you’re not going to create a whole new resume to send out to companies.

If you’re a nurse, you won’t create a special part time resume for your per diem roles.

Your resume is your resume, and you will be using it for each and every job you are applying for.

Many people assume that you need to have a resume tailored to each job you apply for. While there is some truth to that statement, it’s a bit misleading. If you’re applying to a dozen part time jobs then there is no need for you to sit down and create 12 versions of your resume. It’s simply a waste of time and a giant time killer.

What Kind Of Business Are You Approaching?

The important thing when creating a resume, especially if you are seeking part time work, is to make sure that you focus on what sort of business you are approaching.

If you’re setting out to get a part time role at a company that reviews each resume by hand or has a small HR team, then you should spend some time making it clear you why you are seeking part time work.

If you’re a nurse, for instance, every hospital will hire you. The nursing shortage and the pay for nurses is so high that there is no chance you won’t get hired.

However, if you’re vying for a part time clerical job or a part time labor job, then you must take into account that the process is competitive. Many places that hire part time workers know that everyone wants to have a part time job, but few people will actually fit it into their schedule.

Part-Time: Everyone Wants One

Let’s pause for a moment and discuss why the part time job situation is so tricky to deal with.

Employers want to hire part time workers for a variety of reasons. Chief among them nowadays is that they avoid having to provide benefits.

If an employer hires someone to work part time then they don’t have to provide any sort of benefits under the law. Which for a business is perfect.

This is why you see so many advertisements online for part time roles.

However, the other problem is that these businesses want people to work during regular working hours. So, they might want someone to come in and work Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm in the afternoon. And then they have a second person come in to work the later shift.

This is an ugly tactic that businesses use to avoid paying benefits. However, it’s also the reason that businesses have a hard time finding people to work these roles. Most people can’t work a part time role during the week unless it’s after their regular job.

The people who are available to work these daytime part time roles tend to have other sources of income non-related -to work: government assistance programs, family members supporting them, and other non-employment based income.

As most employers know, people who are not dependent on work for income are not reliable. That’s a whole other problem and one that employers who refuse to hire full time workers must contend with.

However, when you’re seeking a part time job, you must understand that many people are also seeking them.

Most jobs are not part time, however, unless they are during regular work hours. So, if you have a full time job and are seeking a part time role, it’s going to be tricky.

Everyone is looking for a part time job, or so it seems. But they also have restrictions. Most people want a part time job on the weekends. Well, most offices are closed.

Some people want a part time job for a few hours after work. Well, again, offices are closed and if there is extra work to do they will just have their salaried employees do it without paying overtime.

The fact is that part time jobs are the most inflexible jobs out there. They are best suited for students who have huge blocks of free time during the day or for retirees who need to make money. These jobs are often found in retail and non-corporate settings. Places like home depot or other retail business almost always hire on a part time basis.

How To Write a Resume for a Part Time Job

As we’ve discussed, your resume isn’t going to be any different, really then if you were applying for a full time job.

You will need to list your former employers, your experience, and your education.

Most part time jobs are low skilled, so it’s not a huge deal breaker if there are career gaps or other slight issues.

You’re not going to be working as a part time executive assistant, or a part time marketing manager, or a part time hedge fund analyst.

Part time work includes:

• Medical Work —Most medical personnel work part time, or per diem on top of their regular jobs.
• Clerical – This part time job is hard to find if you have a full time job as well.
• Retail- The majority of the part time work available.

Whereas it’s not important to have an objective most of the time when writing a resume, for part time work it might be a good idea.

That’s because if you are applying to a job on craigslist, indeed,  or even Facebook, then you should make sure the person reading the application is aware that you’re aware of the nature of the role and that you can work part time hours.

Many people can’t work the hours that the company wants, so it’s a huge waste of time for them to try and find someone to work part time. If you are clear that you can certainly work those part time hours then it will help you when you’re sending in your application.