How to find a part-time job
Students often work part-time while they study, and there are many benefits to doing so.
Apart from letting you earn some extra cash, part-time work can help you:
- build valuable ‘soft’ skills, such as time management, communication and teamwork, which can be useful when applying to roles after you graduate
- make connections with others and build your network
- enhance your personal development.
Here are our top tips to improve your chances of finding local, part-time employment:
1. Know where to look
CareerConnect
A good place to start looking for part-time jobs is CareerConnect, where many employers in St Andrews place their vacancies: search for ‘vacancies’, and filter ‘vacancy type’ by ‘Look Local’. Make sure you customise your CareerConnect profile to receive regular email alerts about new opportunities that interest you.
Job search websites
Indeed, Totaljobs, Reed and Save the Student can be helpful – sign-up to these websites to receive email notifications.
Social media
Regularly check company websites and their social media pages. Some employers may choose to advertise their vacancies via social media channels, eg Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Read Save the Student’s guides on how to use Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media platforms to find a job.
Shop windows
Some local employers advertise their vacancies by placing notices on their shop windows. Consider popping in to enquire. Always be polite and enthusiastic and state that you are interested in the position. It may also be worthwhile handing in your up-to-date CV.
Make a speculative application
Employers may have jobs available, but not advertise them anywhere. If there is an employer in St Andrews you would like to work for that is not advertising, consider making a speculative application. Don’t be afraid to drop into a shop, café, store or pub to ask if they have any part-time jobs available – you won’t know unless you ask! If they don’t have any immediate vacancies, ask to leave your CV incase any opportunities arise in the future.
2. Work for the University of St Andrews
St Andrews’ largest employer is the University itself, and many roles within the University are open to students. These may include shelving in the Library, offering catering support within residences, or interning with one of the University’s many professional service units.
These vacancies may be advertised through CareerConnect. You can also register to receive regular email alerts via the University of St Andrews recruitment website. You could also consider student-specific roles, like serving as a University student ambassador.
3. Get your CV in shape
A CV is important for almost any job you apply for. But when applying for part-time jobs, especially to local businesses, it may be the only thing you submit as part of an application. This means it is essential that your CV is up-to-date and relevant to the role you are applying for.
For help with your CV, our website has lots of information to get you started, including an example of a part-time CV. You could also consider booking a CV appointment to get feedback on your CV from a trained CV adviser, or submitting your CV to CareerSet for immediate AI-generated feedback.
4. Consider volunteering
Not all part-time work experience is paid. You can gain valuable experience by volunteering in St Andrews, which can help with securing future paid work, including at a graduate level. Volunteering can also sometimes lead directly to a paid position within an organisation.
There are many ways to volunteer in St Andrews. The St Andrews Voluntary Service connects St Andrews students with local volunteering projects, and through the Students’ Association you can get involved with the University of St Andrews Charities Campaign and various student societies. You could also volunteer within the University, such as with Museums.
You can find out more about volunteering opportunities in St Andrews on the volunteering page, while Do It is a useful resource for finding voluntary opportunities beyond the town.
5. Additional advice
Salary/wages
You will be entitled to the National Minimum Wage. Check on gov.uk for current National Minimum Wage rates.
National Insurance Numbers
A National Insurance number is required to work in the UK.
UK residents are given a number automatically at the age of 16. However, European or international students will not have this number, so will need to apply for one. For advice on how to do this, see the UK Government’s apply for a National Insurance number page.
Further help
For further advice on finding a part-time job in St Andrews, visit our part-time local jobs page