In the new global economy, part time jobs are a fact of life. For many workers, they have become a way of life. For unemployed job candidates seeking a fresh start, part time work can be the way to get their foot in the door with a new company.
Before the recession started, most part time workers did so by choice, doing so because that was what was best for their circumstances. During these times, the role of a part time worker in a company has changed.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, growth of part time jobs has been steadily increasing. Because of the global nature of economics now, and the wide-spread use of the Internet, it has become as easy to communicate with Europe as it is down the hall. These new technologies and business processes have increased the demand for part time workers. After all, employers need employees on the job when it makes the most sense for the business. This fact has almost completely replaced old-style industrial manufacturing in scope and breadth. Also, many of these jobs can be done at home, in front of a computer.
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The Bureau reported that there were 2.5 million job openings on the last business day of October 2009. They also reported that the number of people working part time stood at 9.2 million in November, an increase from earlier in the year.
Job candidates who are really looking for full time employment frequently bypass part time opportunities because they lack the necessities, such as benefits and full time pay scales. But many part time jobs can provide a window of opportunity down the road.
After the last two recessions, as demand rose for workers, employers moved more quickly. They added part time workers for two or three months before stepping up the hiring of permanent workers. But this recession has been different, as employers are not confident in the recovery. Part-time employment has increased for four months, the economy is growing (albeit slowly), and hiring managers have been reluctant to start hiring permanent workers.
Staffing companies such as Staff Source (Hammond), Manpower (Highland), and Adecco (Hobart) have seen an increase in requests for part time workers.
So how can a job candidate turn a part time job into a full time career?
1) Job candidates should apply for part time work with the same professionalism as they do for full time employment in their chosen field. A cover letter, resume, interview, etc. is seen in the same light by a hiring manager regardless of the status of the job. Making a good impression on the hiring manager when applying for a part time job will be remembered when full time openings become available.
2) Volunteer for extra duty. Employers want employees who show initiative and a desire to learn and develop. The majority of employers state that they are much more likely to offer a permanent position to a part time worker who has asked for more responsibilities.
3) Ask questions. Employers know that new workers do not have all the answers they need. In fact, employers who say that part time workers who come to them with thoughtful questions have a better chance of getting hired full time.
4) Remember the golden rule. Part time workers who want to make a good impression should always be respectful, address all co-workers courteously, and not get caught up in office gossip.
5) Be positive and optimistic. Part time workers should always show enthusiasm for the projects they are working on and the company overall. Always be grateful for the opportunity.
6) Use current job skills. Many job skills that a candidate acquired on previous employment can be handy on a part time job. Especially soft skills like optimism, responsibility, time-management, motivation, communication, and the ability to learn / teach.
When asked which factors were among the most important in influencing their decision to hire a part time worker to a full time permanent position, employers cited the candidate’s aptitude to produce timely, quality work, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and level of professionalism as the most desirable traits.
For the 2009 holiday season, United Parcel Service hired close to 50,000 part time, temporary workers to assist with moving packages during their busiest time of the year. The company then estimated that 20-30 percent of those people will be hired into permanent positions, starting at the end of January. So it pays to maximize every opportunity.
Local employment fields with part time jobs:
Customer service
Sales
Health-care
Janitorial
Food service
Census takers
Cashiers
Host / hostess
Retail
Source: Snag-a-Job http://snagajob.com
Additional online sources:
Staff Source http://www.staffsourceusa.com
Manpower http://www.us.manpower.com/us/en
U.S. Bureau of Labor http://www.bls.gov
