Finding a part-time job can be tricky. According to the charity NCT, “research suggests that amongst advertised job vacancies with salaries over £20k, only 5% are part-time. Above £35k, this drops to 3%.“
While finding a good part-time job can still be a struggle, attitudes towards flexible work are changing. Forward-thinking employers are becoming used to the idea that part-time doesn’t mean part-ambitious, part-committed or part-skilled.
If you want a part-time, flexible or work-from-home job to fit around your other commitments but are unsure where to start, here are our top tips for finding the part-time job of your dreams.
Make your existing full-time role flexible.
The Government is considering legislation that would allow employees to make a flexible working request on their first day of employment. This is a huge step forward for the flexible working movement. Although your employer doesn’t have to say yes, they must explain why they can’t accommodate your request.
Watch my Facebook/LinkedIn Live with Employment Solicitor Tom Stenner-Evans from Thrive Law, where we discuss your legal rights to flexible working and how to make a flexible working request that is more likely to be accepted.
Search on part-time and flexible working-focused job boards.
Several niche job boards specialise in part-time and flexible working opportunities. Investing in Women is one such job board. We advertise part-time, remote and flexible jobs with the UK’s most family-friendly employers. To see our current list of job vacancies, click here.
Register with flexible working-focused recruitment agencies.
In addition to regularly searching on relevant job boards, several recruitment agencies specialise in finding candidates for part-time job vacancies. These include 9to3jobs and ten2two.
LinkedIn is your friend.
LinkedIn is the number one social media platform for candidates and Recruiters alike. Recruiters regularly search LinkedIn to find suitable candidates for the roles they are recruiting for, meaning your dream job might literally drop into your inbox.
What is the secret to being found for your dream job? A great LinkedIn profile, of course. Read my guide – How to Write a LinkedIn Profile Recruiters will LOVE
Facebook Groups can be hidden gems.
Your local area will most certainly have a Facebook Group dedicated to local jobs. Just type “your town’s jobs” into the job search bar, and a list of groups you can join should appear.
Investing in Women has a Facebook Group – Work It Like A Mum. We regularly share new part-time jobs in the group. Flexible Working People is also a good Facebook Group to join if you are looking for flexible work (and Flexible Working Scotland if you are based in Scotland), as employers regularly post part-time jobs there.
There are also sector-specific Facebook groups that allow for peer networking. Employers often post relevant job vacancies in these groups.
Find a job-share partner.
Job-sharing allows you to share a full-time role with someone with a similar background and experience. There are many pros to job-sharing, the biggest being that it allows you to apply for full-time roles together and can make it easier to maintain your rung on the ladder without the part-time penalty.
Finding a job-share partner can be the most significant barrier to job-sharing. Thankfully, there’s a pinned post in the Work It Like A Mum Facebook Group for those looking to find a job-share partner.
Don’t forget to ask offline, too. If you’re still working, let people know you want to find a job-share partner. One of your colleagues might feel the same way.
Network, network, network.
According to Business Insider, employers fill 70% of job vacancies before even advertising them and using your network when job searching is essential to avoid missing out on the ‘hidden job market’.
Let friends, family and ex-colleagues know you are looking for work. Also, add the ‘open to work’ banner on your LinkedIn profile. Ask them to listen out for you. They may be able to recommend you to an employer who is hiring. Make and nurture contacts on and offline, as you never know where your dream job may be hiding and who can help you find it.
Armed with these tips, you’re well on your way to securing the perfect part-time role that fits your lifestyle. But if you want to give yourself an extra edge in the job market, why not consider our range of career services? From the CV Glow-Up that ensures your application stands out to the Interview Confidence Boost for when you land that crucial interview, Investing in Women is here to support your journey. With our expertise, you can navigate the part-time job landscape with confidence and flair. Explore our career coaching services and take the next step towards your ideal job today!
So, there you have it – my top tips for finding your dream part-time or flexible job. One that allows you time for your other commitments without sacrificing your career ambitions. Why? – Because you are too talented for your skills to go to waste, of course!
And if you want to advertise a part-time job, don’t forget to check out our expert guide, Where to Advertise a Part-Time Job: Your Ultimate Go-to Guide, here.