Totaljobs.com > Career Advice > Career Doctor > Part-time work and the experience gap
Part-time work and the experience gap...
With the summer holidays and close of the academic year upon us many are asking for advice on 'first' and 'part-time' jobs. Most wanted to start work yesterday but some want to gain experience in particular professions, while others are balancing creative pursuits with a day job. So for budding musicians and business entrepreneurs, school leavers, seniors and hard up folk alike here are some top job hunting tips.
"I am a 17 year old college student and I desperately need a job, but nobody is willing to hire me as I have no experience or proper skills."
Oh yes you do, you don't only gain skills through work, it's just tougher to talk or write about work-related skills if you haven't ever worked. So what you need to do is talk about the skills you use to organise and complete your college work and skills that you use in hobbies that you have instead. These might include communication, organizational or budgeting skills. If you've entered competitions mention this too, it shows that you have determination. If you have friends that are business people see if they would be willing to provide you with a reference. You need to demonstrate that you could add value to an organisation by working hard and that you are people-skilled.
"What opportunities are there for an ex-teacher? I am now 50 and would like to do part-time work that was not teaching."
As an ex teacher there is a lot of choice for you in terms of part-time work as your administrative and communication skills will be very high. You'll also be able to multi-task, hold people's attention, simply explain 'complicated' things and assess ability or comprehension. This all shouts customer service to me. It's more a case of where your interests lie. Also don't rule out creating your own career; which might enable you to freelance or work from home. I'd recommend that you take our psychometric questionnaire 'Knowing you' the results will indicate jobs that you are well suited to.
"I am writing to ask for some advice on where l can find some part time/temporary training work based in accounting, essentially to help me gain more experience. I've tried local papers and websites but I can't find anything where experience is not required."
There is a way around the chicken:egg syndrome: local trades people struggle with their accounts because their skills typically lie in other areas and they are often too busy doing their trade. You could try contacting local business people and offering to help them out with their accounts. You are qualified and studying for higher qualifications so it's not as if you have a credibility issue. This is also a great way of building up a professional network, and the practical business experience that you will gain will be invaluable to you.
"I am a musician and want time to focus on my music career and can only work 22 hours a week. What part time careers should I pursue, I am considering receptionist work."
Hot sectors for part time jobs include retail, call centres, hospitality and catering. What these industries have in common is a high volume requirement for staff and a 'customer service' focus. But if you can find a job that is linked to music, you will be working towards a common goal. So whether it's a receptionist for a music firm, working in a music store (think of the staff discount!) or working in a bar where there is a live band, you'll be far happier if you're furthering your music career on both fronts.
Of course, whether you're looking for part-time work, your first job or to gain experience in a new direction you'll need to start with a CV. Take a look at totaljobs advice on writing a CV and our CV checker; don't forget that skills gained from hobbies and general life events are just as valid as work-based skills!
Totaljobs.com > Career Advice > Career Doctor> Part-time work and the experience gap
