Refresh your search in 30 minutes: the art of action
6 November 2015
By Clara Wilcox
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Ironically, looking for a part-time role can feel like a full-time job. Developing your CV, creating clever competency based application answers and crafting a convincing cover letter takes time. Searching can feel like a needle in a haystack, adding pressure to our already full lives.
So, if you are feeling a little overwhelmed by it all, grab a refreshing drink, get a pen and paper and follow these five steps to get you back on track.
Define your criteria
Make sure you know what you mean by flexible; one person’s flexible work is another person’s part-time. Before you approach any organisation, you need to make sure what you are aiming for; part-time, flexible hours, location, none-standard hours, condensed? There are numerous combinations.
TO DO: Write down what your ideal working hours would be. Then consider what would be your compromise pattern.
Look close to home
If you are currently employed, then your company may be the best place to start. Could your existing role be changed to accommodate your change in circumstances? Another option may be moving into another role.
TO DO:Think of any colleagues or contacts you have that work part-time or flexibly. Ask if you can have a chat about the benefits and any challenges they have found working this way.
Get creative with advertised roles
Check out your local press and online job boards and identify those roles that suit your skills and salary needs, then contact the company and find out if they would consider part-time or flexible work. Having already defined your ideal working pattern in point one, you can be explicit around your availability. You may find some businesses would rather recruit the right person part-time than second best for full-time!
TO DO:Draft out a telephone script or email to use to approach a company when you see a role you like.
READ: http://thebalancecollective.co.uk/window-career-soul-art-speculative-cv/
Get someone else to find them!
Most standard online recruitment sites have part-time options; set up some job alerts to have them delivered straight into your inbox. Make sure you are happy with your CV and upload it into the relevant website. Then you can quickly and easily apply to roles straight from your jobs board.
TO DO: Write down the key words you use when searching for a role; use these to identify the best recruitment sites / consultancies to suit your needs.
Be industry savvy
Certain sectors (such as the public sector and smaller businesses) are naturally more flexible; but you may miss this in the small print. Have a look at the organisation’s information on their website, and further information in the advert, which may mention flexible working conditions including if that they would consider job-share or part-time hours.
TO DO: In an ideal world, where would you like to work? Find the organisation’s website and have a search around their “About Us” and “Careers” pages to get some background information.
Hopefully you now have nice action list to regain control of your job search in the time it took to finish of a cup of tea!
As a special offer, I am offering one member a free CV Feedback Session and one-hour coaching session (worth £60). Just email hello@thebalancecollective.co.uk with the subject title “Zest4LifeCV” and one winner will be randomly selected on the 30th November 2015. (The session is to be taken by 31st January 2016 and the coaching will take place over Skype)