Lots of students get a part-time job when at university to supplement their student loan.
As well as giving you extra cash, having a part-time job looks great on your CV. It helps you develop new skills, work as part of a team and shows future employers you’re responsible and hardworking.
If you are thinking about the possibility of working part-time while at university, there are plenty of opportunities out there but remember your studies come first.
At Northumbria University, we recommend you work no more than 15 hours per week in addition to your studies.
Getting your CV job-ready
To give yourself the best possible chance of scooping a job, you need to make sure your CV stands out from the crowd.
A tailored application always works best, so think carefully about the type of role you’re applying for and adapt your CV to suit. Emphasise any relevant work experience and highlight the skills you have which would be good for the job role. If you haven’t had much work experience, make sure you include anything relevant such as volunteering, taking part in activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh awards, or even babysitting, and big up your hobbies and interests to highlight your strengths. Including information like this can still show a potential employer any transferable skills you may have such as good work ethic and responsibility.
Throughout your student journey, our Graduate Futures team will work with you to improve your CV, applications and interview techniques if you need it.
Where to look
Northumbria University has its own online jobs portal northumbria.ac.uk/jobsonline where you can find lots of part-time work within the university and the local area. As a Northumbria University student, you’ll be able to sign up to job alerts, so you’ll never miss an opportunity. We also hold an annual Student Jobs and Volunteering Fair in October.
As well as lots of university support, there are numerous websites advertising jobs throughout the UK such as Indeed, Student Job UK and Total Jobs.
Don’t be shy to take your CV in person into shops or places advertising for staff. It can be daunting at first but is great experience for building confidence and selling yourself.
Social media can also be a useful place to find businesses advertising for staff. Follow local community pages in the area to help keep you informed.
What you need
If you are a UK national, you’ll need to show a potential employer your passport, full birth certificate and National Insurance number as this is a legal requirement to prove you have a right to work here.
For non-UK students you will need your passport and a visa to work.
Find all the career advice and guidance you’ll need at northumbria.ac.uk/graduatefutures
