Lifestyle Opinions

By: Alyssa Velasquez

While being enrolled at a college/university couldn’t be stressful enough, finding and working a part-time job can add to the stress factor.

While everyone deals with stress and anxiety differently, here are some tips on how to search for a part-time job and balance the school workload.

1. If you haven’t already, make a resume.

Before you start filling out applications, be sure to make a resume of your education and work experience.

If you are an incoming freshman or it’s your first time applying for a job and you have little to no experience, then think of other extracurricular activities or volunteer events you have participated in.

My advice would be to not directly put, “No Experience” on your resume because it will make it seem like you don’t put “effort” into working.

If you don’t have any experience, then I would suggest emphasizing your skills.

Don’t know how to format your resume?

You can use Canva!

Make a free account and use the free Canva templates for a resume.

(To have access to the really “fancy” templates or if you are into making infographic designs, you can download Canva Pro for $14.99 a month.)

Another way you can type out a resume is through Google Documents or Microsoft Word.

There should be a template that says “resume”, but a blank document will work as well.

• 2. Pick trustworthy websites

There are some websites out there that portray job openings but are just scams trying to get your information. If you cannot apply directly to the website, I suggest using LinkedIn as your first choice. Though this website does pertain to more professional jobs, there are many different job positions you can apply for and you have the opportunity to network with others as well.

Another website I would use is Indeed

Indeed has a mix of good and bad reviews, but I suggest looking carefully before applying.

If the job application doesn’t have a location, no pay rate, a limited description of the position, or a service you’ve never heard of before, chances are it is a scam.

• 3. Patience

The hiring market isn’t consistent these days. 

 When I started applying for jobs last year in late May/early June,  I didn’t start work until the first week of August.

Even though I didn’t like being home, I had time to collect my thoughts and take a break from school and work.

Fortunately for me at the time, I lived with my parents. So, I knew I would be okay because I didn’t need to worry so much about money.

Nevertheless, sometimes the best or the only thing to do is to wait and be patient.

The thing about the hiring process is that there are way more applicants applying than you, so it will take a while to hear back from a job.

• 4. Practice your interview ego

I made a blog post on “How to Survive an Interview” if you would like to go check it out.

I would just say to be prepared or familiarize yourself with the interview process. The more you do, the better you will perform, and they will likely consider you for the position.

• 5. The Work v School Balance

Once you get your part-time job, figure out what time will work best for you on the days and/or times around your school schedule.

The one thing I’ve learned about working and going to school is learning how to sacrifice your time.

Wanting to hang out with your friends on the weekend sounds way more fun than working a 5-hour shift, but it might not be so fun when you don’t have money to pay off your credit card or your student debt.

• Conclusion

Though the application process, for the most part, is easy, the suspense of waiting for a callback is stressful.

You never know if you will get that callback for an interview or the “we regret to inform you” email.

The work and school balance will be very essential in organizing your time efficiently.

I would just say (again) to be patient and know that the right opportunity will come back when you least expect it.