How to Find a Part Time Student Job, the Ultimate Guide UK 2025

Disclosure: The Graduate Samaritan is a free independent blog supported by its readers; this post may contain affiliate links that may earn a tiny commission to help the blog sustain itself, thank you for supporting this independent blog! (full disclaimer here)

Finding a part-time job as a student can be challenging, especially if you need extra income to support yourself at university.

The process often feels overwhelming due to limited experience, high competition, and a lack of clear guidance.

However, with the right approach, it is possible to land a job that fits your schedule and supports your goals.

This guide will walk you through the three essential steps: creating a strong CV and cover letter, effectively searching for job opportunities (both online and in-person), and acing the interview.

We’ll also include tips for students without prior work experience and explore often-overlooked online opportunities.

1. Creating a Strong Student CV and Cover Letter

A well-crafted CV is your first step to success. Keep it concise, aim for a one-page CV that highlights your most relevant achievements and skills.

Start with a clear format using free templates available online or through Microsoft Word or Canva, there is no need to pay for a CV template!

Include sections like work experience (if applicable), education, volunteering, hobbies, and skills. Even if you lack formal work experience, showcase transferable skills like teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. For example:

• Instead of writing, “Volunteered at the library,” emphasize the skills: “Developed organizational skills by assisting in cataloguing and customer service during volunteer work at the library.”
• Or, “As a volunteer for an event, I enhanced my multitasking and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced environment.”

Moreover, in the education section do not just list your studies, but also highlight achievements from group projects or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your abilities.

Writing a Cover Letter as a Student

A cover letter allows you to expand on your CV and personalize your application. Structure it into three parts:

1. Who are you? Introduce yourself, your ambitions, and your academic background.
2. Your skills and experience: Provide examples of how you’ve developed relevant skills, such as multitasking or problem-solving.
   • “I thrive in fast-paced environments and demonstrated this during group projects where I managed deadlines effectively.”
3. Why this role or industry? Tailor this section for each application. For instance:
   • “I’m passionate about hospitality and believe my multitasking skills would allow me to deliver exceptional customer experiences.”
   • “I am interested in customer service as I enjoy problem-solving and interacting with people in fast-paced environments.”

Tip: Always save your CV and cover letter as PDFs to preserve the formatting for the recipient!

2. Finding Part Time Student Jobs: In-Person and Online

The key to finding the perfect part time student job is diversifying your search methods and staying persistent. Split your job hunting in two parts, in-person and online.

In-Person Job Hunting

In-person job searches are often overlooked but remain highly effective, especially for smaller, family-run businesses.

Many do not advertise vacancies online but instead rely on word of mouth or simple vacancy signs in windows. Here our best tips for an in-person student job hunt:

• Dedicate specific days to print CVs and explore your city’s busiest areas, such as streets with coffee shops, restaurants, and retail stores.
• Prioritise businesses with vacancy signs, but don’t hesitate to inquire at other places. Politely ask to speak with a manager, and explain your availability and willingness to learn.
• Dress smartly (smart casual works), and avoid peak hours when managers are too busy to have a proper chat with you.
• If you don’t hear back, return a week later to show your desire to work and enthusiasm!

Online Job Search

Online platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Reed are excellent tools for finding part-time jobs.

Firstly, create separate email for job applications to stay organised and avoid cluttering your main inbox (yes, that will happen!).

When looking for online jobs, apply filters to search for the newest listings that align with your availability.

Moreover, keep a log of jobs you have already apply for to avoid duplicating applications and wasting time!

(p.n. we have put together a step-by-step guide on how to make a compelling student profile on LinkedIn, you might find that useful!)

Overlooked Online Job Opportunities for Students

In addition to traditional roles, you can also explore remote or flexible jobs such as:

• Online tutoring: Platforms like Tutor.com, Preply, or Wyzant allow you to teach subjects you excel in, from math to foreign languages. Many do not require prior teaching experience.
• Freelancing: Websites like Upwork or Fiverr offer opportunities in writing, graphic design, or social media management. If you have specific skills (e.g., video editing or coding), this can be a lucrative option.
• Virtual assistant roles: Many businesses need administrative help that can be done remotely, such as data entry or email management.
• Transcription or translation work: Companies like Rev or Gengo hire students for tasks requiring good listening or language skills.

Important, please be aware of scams and pyramidal schemes when looking for online jobs!

(Bonus paragraph) The Best Student Discount! 💸

Want to save money and enjoy exclusive perks? Unlock big savings with Amazon Prime Student, you can get 6 months FREE—and that’s just the beginning! Here’s what you’ll get with your free trial:

• 🚚 Free Next-Day Delivery on all your essentials—because who doesn’t love fast shipping?
• 🎬 Amazon Prime Video: Stream the latest films, TV shows, documentaries, and even live sports events.
• 🎶 Prime Music: Listen to ad-free music, playlists, and podcasts to stay focused while studying.
• 🎓 Student-Exclusive Offers: Get discounts on uni essentials, textbooks, and more.

And, if you love it (which you will), you can keep your Prime membership at half price until you graduate! 🎓

Ready to start? Follow this quick step-by-step guide to set up your Amazon Prime Student account:

1. Visit the official Amazon Prime Student, landing page.
2. Click on “Start Your 6-Month Trial” and then hit “Try Prime Student”.
3. Sign in if you already have an account, or create one quickly.
4. Enter your university email address (ending with .ac.uk).
5. Provide your expected graduation year.
6. Add your payment details (don’t worry, the first 6 months are totally FREE!).
7. Verify your email (Amazon will send a confirmation to your uni address).
8. Enjoy your Prime perks!

Don’t miss out on these incredible benefits—sign up today and get your free 6 months of Amazon Prime Student now!

3. Tips for Performing Well in Interviews as a Student

Securing an interview as a student is a major milestone, and preparation is key. Some key points to keep in mind in order to perform well in interviews as a student:

• Emphasize reliability. Managers are often concerned about student availability, so discuss how you plan to balance work and studies responsibly.
• Be honest about your schedule, including when you may need time off for exams or assignments. Offer to plan these in advance.
• Highlight your flexibility to work extra hours during busy periods if possible, showcasing your willingness to adapt to the team’s needs.

If your interview is online, research the company and its values beforehand, you should easily find all info online.

• “Why do you want this job?”: Share how the role aligns with your goals and interests. Mention the company’s vision and why you want to be part of it, this will show you have done your research!

Reference these in your answers, and prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to illustrate your skills.

“How would you handle a difficult customer?”, or “Tell me a time when” Demonstrate problem-solving skills with a specific example.

Finding a Job Without Previous Experience as a Student

If you don’t have work experience, focus on your skills and enthusiasm to find a part time student job.

Highlight transferable abilities gained from academics, extracurricular activities, or volunteering. For example:

• Time management: Balancing coursework and extracurricular activities shows discipline.
• Problem-solving: Managing group projects or organizing events demonstrates initiative and critical thinking.

During interviews or applications, explain your willingness to learn and grow. Many entry-level roles prioritize attitude and adaptability over experience.

Consider industries like retail, hospitality, or customer service, which often train employees from scratch.

Best Industries for Student Jobs

Industries known for their flexibility are ideal for students:

• Hospitality: Restaurants, cafes, and hotels often offer evening or weekend shifts.
• Retail: Shops may have part-time roles that suit your availability.
• Customer support: Call centres or online chat support positions can be done in-person or remotely.

If you have some technical skills, getting a part time student role in data entry, IT support, or digital marketing may be a great option!

Many of these jobs allow remote work, making them highly convenient. Important, again, please be aware of scams and pyramidal schemes when looking for online jobs!

Conclusion, Best Tips to Find a Part Time Student Job at University

Finding a part time student job may feel daunting, but with persistence and the right strategy, it’s achievable.

Build a strong CV, explore both in-person and online opportunities, and approach interviews with confidence.

Remember, every step you take is a chance to learn and grow—whether it’s creating your first CV or navigating a challenging interview.

If you lack work experience, focus on your potential and transferable skills, these are always appreciated regardless!

Opportunities like tutoring, freelancing, and virtual assistant roles are great alternatives to traditional part-time jobs.

Above all, keep your studies as your priority while building your professional experience. Good luck on finding your part time student job!

FAQs About Finding a Part Time Student Job

Additional Tips for Success

Consider Volunteering First

If you’re struggling to secure paid work, consider volunteering. It’s a great way to gain experience and build connections.

Leverage University Resources

Many universities have career services offering workshops, job boards, and CV reviews tailored for students. Take advantage of these free resources.

Stay Persistent

Rejections are part of the process. Keep refining your approach, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks, your opportunity will come (usually when you least expect it!)