Leaving home for the first time or moving to the UK is an exciting adventure, but it can also come with financial challenges. Part-time work can help ease some of those concerns while providing valuable experience, so your CV looks amazing when you leave uni too.
Here’s a handy guide to navigating the job market as a student in the UK.
1. Find your forte, and learn everything about it
The first step towards finding the best job that works for you, is to figure out what you’re interested in, how much time you can commit to a job, and to lay down what kind of employer and workplace you want to work at.
Remember how they say do what you love, and it’ll never feel like work at all That's especially true when looking for a part-time job. This way you will look forward to working and it helps you be in an industry or environment you see a future in all whiles having a great time.
Your education is your priority so finding a job with the right type of shifts or rota that works for you is important. There are jobs with fixed shifts so you know exactly when you’ll be working each week, and more flexible jobs that work around your schedule and you can change your hours each week.
Find an employer who caters and understands your university schedule.
2. This one’s for International Students: Know your Visa Restrictions
Before you start job hunting, familiarise yourself with the restrictions of your student visa. Most Tier 4 (General) student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Knowing these limits will help you avoid any potential issues. Remember to get your National Insurance number as soon as you arrive in the UK, as this along with a work share code is essential before you start a job.
Why lose the opportunity to support yourself by earning some extra money, when most of our VISAs allow us to work for 20 hours a week.
3. Explore Your University Resources
Most universities, including Queen Mary, have dedicated career services that can help you in finding part-time work. They often offer job boards, workshops, and one-on-one consultations to help you refine your CV and interview skills. You can also learn priceless skills through our Skills Award, and even have them on your HEAR transcript if you get a Gold Award. Attend job fairs and networking events to connect with potential employers. By working for the Students’ Union, you can enjoy the comfort of being on campus and the perks of being a student staff member including a 20% discount in all Student Union outlets.
Check for vacancies and find out how you can work for your Students' Union here. Watch out as we have vacancies throughout the year! Can’t find a job you’re interested in? No worries! Browse through our endless volunteering opportunities and find and work for a cause you are passionate about here.
4. Leverage Online Job Portals
Several websites cater specifically to student job seekers. Some popular platforms include:
- Indeed: A comprehensive job search engine that lists part-time opportunities across various sectors.
- Totaljobs: Offers a dedicated section for student jobs.
- StudentJob: Specifically designed for students seeking part-time work, internships, and seasonal jobs.
- Stint: An app designed to pick up shifts that work for you.
You can make these websites work for you, by using filters specific to what you’re looking for. For example, choosing hybrid if you’re looking for jobs that are flexible about location of work. It’s also very helpful to upload your CV to the job portal, and fill in your preferences, so that they can suggest the most relevant jobs. This is very similar to the way TikTok suggests videos on your feed.
5. Network, network, network
Networking can significantly enhance your job search. Join student groups, attend university events, and connect with people who may know of job openings. Sometimes it can be quite daunting to start conversations, but people are always willing to help you out and answer your questions, so don’t shy away from asking all your questions.
LinkedIn can also be a powerful tool. The first step is as simple as creating a professional profile which isn’t half as scary as it sounds. All this means is to have a good, clear photo, a great introduction and filling out all the relevant sections on the page. This includes work experience, volunteering and skills.
I would also suggest joining relevant groups, and engaging with content and professionals related to your field of interest. Sometimes, a single hello can go a long way, and help you learn more than you would’ve thought.
6. Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter
Your CV and cover letter should highlight your skills and experiences relevant to the roles you’re applying for. Focus on your education, any volunteer work, and transferable skills such as communication and teamwork. Make sure to customise your application for each position to stand out to employers. Key things to keeping your CV short and concise (no more than 2 pages!), updating all your relevant skills and illustrating facts rather than just plainly stating them.
QM Careers have a dedicated service to help you improve your CV, and prepare for your interviews, so be sure to check it out!
7. Consider Flexible Roles
Look for jobs that offer flexible hours to accommodate your study schedule. Roles in retail, hospitality, tutoring, and administration often provide the flexibility international students need. Additionally, remote or freelance work can be a good option if you prefer to work from home. Websites like remote.com are quite useful for finding remote jobs. You can also select relevant filters in more general recruitment platforms to find jobs that match your specific needs.
A very popular paid role that students tend to take up is the role of a Student Ambassador. Many organisations and companies often hire students as ambassadors to promote their brand on campus, applications open at different times of the year and keep a lookout for brands that you’re interested in representing to not miss the opportunity.
8. Prepare for Interviews
Practice common interview questions and be ready to discuss how your skills can benefit the employer. Research the company beforehand to show your genuine interest. Remember to dress appropriately, a formal dress or suit along with a pair of matching shoes and a neat hairstyle, for example, would look great. All things matter, so arrive on time, be positive and believe in yourself, you’ve got this!
9. Know Your Rights as an Employee
Familiarise yourself with your rights as a worker in the UK. You are entitled to a minimum wage, safe working conditions, and time off. Understanding these rights can help you advocate for yourself in the workplace. Don’t be afraid to ask your potential employer questions so you can find out.
10. Balance Work and Study
While part-time work can provide financial relief, it's essential to maintain a balance between work and your studies. Prioritise your academic responsibilities and ensure your job doesn’t interfere with your coursework. While working part-time make sure to always put your wellbeing first. Set realistic goals, and only take on as much work as your schedule allows you. Be as organised as you can be and plan your time efficiently. Remember to always communicate very clearly with your manager. While it may be tempting to skip a lecture or two, to earn some extra cash, it doesn’t pay off in the long run, so remember to always attend all your classes. Importantly, taking up a part-time job during your studies is a great initiative, and you should be proud of yourself already, so remember not to be too hard on yourself, and don’t ever hold yourself back from reaching out for help!
11. Stay Positive and Persistent
Finding the right part-time job can take time, so stay patient and positive. Rejections are part of the process—keep applying and refining your approach. It is also key to remember that with rejections comes the reminder to reflect. Every application is an opportunity to learn and improve.
Finding part-time work as an international student in the UK can be a rewarding experience, providing not only financial support but also professional development and social connections. By utilising university resources, networking, and approaching your job search strategically, you can successfully navigate the job market and make the most of your time in the UK.
Be patient in your pursuit of finding the best part-time job, and in no time, you will find yourself absolutely smashing it in your learning, working, growth and glow era!
Find out more in detail here
Part-Time Jobs for International Students in the UK: Your Comprehensive Guide | Visa Requirements, Work Experience, and More (msinuk.in)
An honest guide to finding employment as an international student | International Student Blog (city.ac.uk)