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Struggling to find a part-time job

Sixth form student Genevieve describes her quest for that elusive part-time job...

Genevieve
by Genevieve
Last Updated:
23 Jan 2024

If looking for a part-time job is causing you trouble, then no worry. We spoke to sixth form student Genevieve, who's been through the part-time job hunt, to share her experience, tips and tricks.

So, job hunting. From online applications to Marks and Spencer to handing CVs into Britannia fish and chip shop, the struggle in the hunt for a part-time job will continue to elude me.

Whether it’s to fund our alcohol, pay for our tube fares or spend on our shopping sprees to River Island, money does not come easy for a student. Unfortunately, it has taken me a whole year longer than most to finally come to the realisation that my mother will not be funding my weekend life forever and most definitely will not be paying for those £50 Zara boots I claim “I need”! This has found me trudging the long and lonely part-time job seekers path, joining all the other students in our search for a measly minimum wage retail job.

I start off with Waitrose. After checking reviews from their employees, I gathered their store not only had a decent pay, but also treated their employees fairly, referring to them as “partners” (how sweet). I begin with the online application form, setting up an online account and specifying what “career” I am looking for – a part-time customer service job in London – and BAM!…an offer pops up…it sounds perfect, just a few stops on the tube, and the pay is even above minimum wage. In my mind I was winning… and I hadn’t even sent off the application form yet.

Next step, the questionnaire! These 20 questions, they so nicely advised me, should be completed within 20 minutes and I should answer HONESTLY. Each question had three possible answers, and consisted of imaginary scenarios where I had to picture myself as a Waitrose worker and figure out what I would do. Rather like being in a Waitrose action movie, but with cucumbers instead of guns.

After completing the questionnaire, I excitedly told my mum of my efforts, logged off my laptop and continued my novel, We need to talk about Kevin. (Or as my mum titles it… “We need to talk about Genevieve’s job prospects”.)

The next day I received an email from “John Lewis Partnerships” telling me I had NOT been cordially invited to an interview, as (I quote) “the score in the test did not meet the requirements for this particular role”, which I then thought was pretty daft as I had to pass a test and attend two interviews just to be able to stack a few shelves.

Anyway, back to the drawing board. I decided I was going to try things the traditional way – the good old “handing in your CV” way. I tried everywhere: pubs, restaurants, even my local Betty’s Bakery. I even took a trip to Oxford St where only one place (Mango) said they were recruiting in September and would give me a call nearer the time.

This, unfortunately, is the grim side of the search for jobs. At one point I even got so desperate I was going to apply to McDonald’s… but my pride took over and I reminded myself that I was still worthy of a desirable job in retail. (No offence to anyone who works in Maccy D’s, I may be seeing you there soon!)

This is just one story of my search for a part-time job, and it’s still not over yet! One thing I can't comprehend is employers’ rejection of young and eager students who will do anything to make a bit of “dough”. It’s not like I am a failing student; I get good grades, have had lots of voluntary experience, and have big aspirations for the future which are all beautifully typed up on my very thoughtful and well-presented CV.

It seems that nowadays the struggle to get a job, be it part-time or full-time, can be stressful and difficult… however you do hear stories from both sides, with some people managing to get a call back on their first attempt, so maybe it’s not always like this.

One website that has helped me a lot in gaining an insight into the work environment of some stores is The Student Room (I am sure you all know of it); here, students can rate and share their work experiences. Another helpful website is Glassdoor, where employees score their workplace and give the “pros” and “cons” of working there.

I am currently still applying via recruitment websites and most recently I attended a pop- in recruitment session at the Oxford St Urban Outfitters, which was advertised on their Facebook page. I’m hoping that by being persistent I will eventually get a part-time job. It’s also important to balance study and work, as it can be very tempting to agree to more hours than you originally wanted. However it’s just a matter of prioritising and being clear about your long-term goals.

Happy job hunting!

Genevieve Davies-Borges


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