How to Keep Your Job Search Active While Working Part-Time

Are you holding down a part-time job while searching for a full-time job? Although this is a great way to bring in some income, looking for a job while you’re working presents some unique challenges. However, with proper planning and commitment, you can lead an effective job search while working part-time. Here’s how.

Dedicate Time Each Week to Your Job Search

Applying for jobs can feel like a job in itself — especially when you’re working another job. Even though it can seem like a lot of extra work to put in hours applying for positions, taking interviews, and following up with recruiters, all these actions are essential to keeping your job search active.

Avoid doing anything related to your new job search while you’re at work, especially if you want to remain on good terms with your current employer. Many employers don’t take kindly to their employees applying and interviewing for new roles while on the company clock.

As such, set aside a few hours each week during which you’ll spend time searching and applying for jobs, updating your resume, identifying your transferable skills, and reaching out to prospective employers or recruiters. Making this part of your weekly routine will ensure your job search doesn’t feel like a chore.

Keep Your Online Profiles Updated

Keeping your professional online profiles, especially your LinkedIn profile, updated is one of the best job search tips. You’ll want to make sure that all the information you list — including your roles and responsibilities, certifications, and interests — are all up to date. You should also consider adding in any transferable skills you possess if you’re considering switching careers.

However, do not drastically change your profile (unless it’s really outdated) or indicate that you’re looking for a new job. This may upset your current employer and make them wonder if you’re using work time to search for job openings.

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Don't Schedule Interviews During Your Shifts

If you’re searching for a new career opportunity while holding down a part-time role, you don’t want to lose your current role. That’s why it’s important to be upfront with prospective employers about when you are (and aren’t) available for an interview. Nothing will frustrate your current supervisor more than calling in sick at the last minute, multiple times a month. Moreover, if word gets out that you’re using sick time or missing shifts to go on interviews, you may wind up in trouble.

Be honest with recruiters about when you’re available to come into their office or take a phone call. If you explain that you have to work on certain days or during certain hours, they’ll most likely try to accommodate your request.

Practice Discretion

If you don’t want your employer to know that you’re looking for a new role, you need to practice discretion. In addition to scheduling interviews outside of your shifts and avoiding doing anything related to job searches during work hours, keep the following tips in mind:

• Don’t come to work in interview clothes, especially if you’re supposed to wear a uniform or are typically dressed in casual attire.

• Don’t use your current supervisor or manager as a reference.

• Don’t slack on your current role’s responsibilities.

• Don’t make calls to a prospective employer from a company phone.

Be Realistic

Sometimes, it may just not be the right time to find a new job. Or, perhaps through your search, you discover that you actually enjoy your current job – you may even look to turn your part-time job into a full-time position.  Applying for jobs can be difficult, time-consuming, and emotional. As such, it’s important to be realistic and remember that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Whether you’re looking for part-time employment or a full-time role, iHire has you covered. Start your search in one or more of our 56 industry-specific talent communities.