Part-time Jobs: The Quest for Job Flexibility
Depending on your situation, part-time employment can be the perfect way to either make a little spending money or continue your career while cutting back on hours. Don't get lost on job search Web sites that can't help you with your part-time needs; knowing where to start your Internet quest for job flexibility can save you a lot of time. This guide will direct you toward all you need concerning alternative working hours: general information, tips, job finders, legal logistics, and direct accounts of people's experiences.
Expand All Guide SectionsHow Part-Time Jobs and Job Sharing Work
Full-time and part-time jobs have different requirements and different challenges, so information ... read more »
Finding and Applying to Part-Time Jobs
If you're ready to start your job search, the sites in this section will help you find the results that cater to your part-time or seasonal needs. Looking for a job can get tedious, so save time and effort by using the Web tools we've found to narrow the wealth of information and make the whole process more efficient.
Dulcinea's Insight
- There are many tools available on the Internet for job searching. While most are not specifically geared toward part-time work, many still provide options for finding these kinds of opportunities.
- Be wary of job offers that promise great money or an easy job; most of these are either fraudulent or simply aren't nearly as lucrative as advertised. Often, information that looks like it is too good to be true is just that.
- If you attend a university, there are often many opportunities to work for the school itself on campus. The school's career services department usually provides a listing of these student jobs. Catered to the full-time student, these jobs are almost always part-time.
- In addition to using the Internet to find part-time work, you can actually work through the Internet, telecommuting, and cutting out office time and rigid hours.
- You'll likely be required to divulge a lot of personal information to get on an employer's payroll. Make sure the company is trustworthy before handing over this important information.
- The Riley Guide, listed below, has sections of its Web site applicable to nearly all aspects of part-time job searching and also includes a helpful page for telecommuting and working at home. It's worth a careful look despite its slightly unattractive layout.
- For start-to-finish help with your job search, including resume help, interview tips, and much more, see the findingDulcinea Job Hunting Guide.
- For more information on ways to find opportunities for earning some extra cash in your spare time, see the findingDulcinea Freelancing Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For general part-time jobs ...
FlexJobs
works like most major job search Web sites, but lists only "flexible" jobs (part-time, flex-time, contract, telecommuting, consulting, project-based, seasonal, or volunteer). Create a profile and search for jobs by category, or check out helpful articles on topics like building your home office and finding work-life balance.
The Riley Guide
recommends several Web sites for finding part-time, hourly, or temporary employment. Not unlike Dulcinea's Picks, the guide sums up the sites it recommends and even gives little warnings.
CareerBuilder.com
has its own section dedicated to part-timers. Sift through part-time opportunities according to location, job type, or search by keyword. You can also get even more specific using CareerBuilder's advanced search option.
Craigslist
posts job listings in a variety of categories, including part-time employment, for numerous cities. To search, click on your city or state, and scroll to the bottom of the "jobs" category for "part time." You can also search the "gigs" section for one-time or temporary employment opportunities in your area of expertise. Or, try posting an ad in the "services" category.
Monster.com
similarly dedicates a page to part-time job searching. Offering a relatively standard search, its broad database makes it worth looking into.
Part-time jobs for students and teens ...
CollegeHelpers.com
hosts a listing of part-time job opportunities, internships, and summer jobs for college students looking for off-campus work. This site is geared toward students, employers, and even colleges' resource centers.
GrooveJob.com
has postings from several large companies looking for part-time, hourly, or seasonal employees. Start by typing your zip code into the search box in the upper right-hand corner of the page and then go on to see companies in your area. Click on a logo to discover any restrictions and to find out more job specifications.
GotAJob
, partnered with the previously mentioned SnagAJob, allows you to search for available part-time and seasonal jobs in your area or to sign up for e-mail alerts when an opportunity nearby opens up. With a free membership you can access applications directly from the GotAJob and SnagAJob databases.
For seniors ...
Retirement Jobs
allows you to search for job opportunities two ways: enter your zip code and a keyword pertaining to your career, or browse all job listings posted in various categories. There's even a section called "Dream Jobs" that features the impressive title of "BMW Test Driver," among others.
Senior Job Bank
provides an easily accessible job search tool specifically for seniors. You can search by location, post your resume, or enter a "Job Agent Profile" that can be viewed by potential employers. Listings are updated daily.
Experience Works
is a national, charitable organization that helps low-income seniors find employment and get training for new careers. You can also search for a local Experience Works office.
For summer and seasonal jobs ...
A+ Summer Jobs
, a nonprofit organization, provides students and young adults with interesting work experiences when school's out. Spend your summer working on a cruise ship, at an Alaskan fishery, or even abroad. Although the required membership comes with a fee of $12.95/month or $29.95/year, a two-day free trial provides access to the site's database.
Cool Works
finds seasonal jobs in some of the most interesting places in the world (mostly in nature or national parks). Click on "More Cool Stuff" in the menu on the left to read the Web site's feature articles or click "Get Started" under the "Job Seekers" section for a free membership to begin your hunt. Check out the "Older and Bolder" tab at the top of the page for seasonal jobs specifically for the retired (and adventurous) crowd.
Backdoorjobs.com
deems itself "your home for short-term job adventures." To start, choose one of the Web site's channels (for example, "Camp & Ranch Jobs" or "Sustainable Living & Farming Work"). Then choose a destination and check out the available opportunities at that location.
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