TARGETconnect

Our TARGETconnect platform hosts a wide range of job opportunities, including part-time jobs.

TARGETconnect vacancies are managed by the employers themselves, so you will be making your application directly to them.

Google For Jobs

Google For Jobs aggregates job vacancies from across the web and allows you to search based on your choice of different criteria.

You can set up job alerts for specific types or locations of work based on your preferences, so it can make it much easier to find that ideal part-time job.

Just search "Jobs in my area" or "Lancaster jobs" for example, then click the blue heading to explore the options.

Finding work via social media

Social media have become a popular way to advertise and find jobs.

Facebook has lots of local jobs boards where you can find a variety of vacancies.

LinkedIn also has a jobs section which you can search for local, national and international opportunities. The Careers services runs skills workshops at beginner and advanced levels to help you develop and leverage your LinkedIn profile, which you can find through TARGETconnect.

Finding work in-person

If you have a specific employer in mind that you would like to work for then you can use a targeted approach to job applications. Speculative applications can be effective when done well, but a CV and cover letter must be brief and tailored effectively to be successful with this approach.

You can check shop windows of specific businesses you'd like to work in. Many retail and hospitality businesses advertise their vacancies this way so it can be a useful way to search for a job.

Finding work via agencies

There are external job agencies in the local area and nationally where you can look for part-time work.

In the Lancaster area we recommend Master Staff and Adecco. National agencies Reed and Hays have opportunities across the UK.

Remember that agencies charge a fee to the employer for their services, but should not charge any fees to you as the worker, so treat it with caution if any fees are requested from you.

Watch out for scams!

Many recruiters, such as the Employment & Recruitment Service, partner with the SAFERjobs organisation to agree to the principles of good recruitment practice. Not all jobs will be advertised by reputable recruiters though, particularly with social media becoming a more popular way to recruit.

There are some red flags to look out for when applying for jobs through these channels, and the SAFERjobs website is a useful resource to help you identify and navigate these.

Tailoring your application is key

One size does not fit all when it comes to job applications! Tailoring your CV and cover letter to the specific application you are making will significantly increase the chances of getting you to interview and getting the job.

Tailoring two or three applications is more effective than making 20 generic applications, and will be a better investment of your time.

Make your application relevant to the employer by mirroring the language they use and giving examples of your skills that are required for the role.

Use the resources available to you with the Careers service to help you create and check your application before you send it.

The perfect CV

Your CV should give short examples of where you have used the skills shown in the job description and person specification of the job advert. A recent study by Ladders recruitment agency shows that recruiters spend as little as 7.4 seconds looking at a CV.

Using bullet points of no more than two lines per point to describe the skills you've used to meet the duties of your past experience is the most effective way to communicate your skills to employers quickly.

Keep your layout neat and consistent, using bold text to mark your headings and dates, making it easy to quickly navigate your CV.

The perfect cover letter

Cover letters are an important part of your applications, giving you the chance to speak to your potential employer in a formal letter format. A cover letter should be no more than one side of A4, and should always be tailored to the specific application you are making. As it is part of the same application, it should be in the same font and style as your CV.

Format your cover letter in four paragraphs covering:

• Introduction - who you are, which job you're applying for and where you found it
• Why them? - what are the factors that made you want to apply for this role/organisation/sector? Show you've done some research into them.
• Why you? - what are a couple of the key skills that make you an ideal candidate for this role/organisation/sector?
• Positive summary - thank the employer for reading your CV and tell them you hope to meet to discuss your application further

What is the recruiter looking for?

Recruiters are looking for evidence of skills that are relevant to the role, so when you are writing your CV and cover letter, think about the things that make a difference to the recruiter.

CVs:

• Clearly label your different sections using bold text
• Keep your layout consistent, ensuring titles and dates line up vertically on the page for easy navigation
• Focus on the skills the recruiter is looking for in your examples, don't just list the duties you completed
• Keep your bullet points to no more than two lines or the recruiter will skip them

Cover letters:

• Professional and positive language
• A clear understanding of the job/organisation/sector
• Evidence of your motivation for applying for this role
• Examples of relevant skills for this role
• That you share the values of the organisation

Dealing with rejection

Nobody likes the feeling of being rejected but it is a part of making job applications. It's a learning process and as with any skill, you get better with practice.

A job application is a personal thing and you put a lot of time and effort into it, so it's understandable that it hurts when you don't get that job you applied for. Remember that it's not a personal thing, recruiters just want to match the candidate with the best evidence of relevant skills to the job.

It's useful to ask for feedback on your application, as this can get the employer's perspective on what you could have done differently. We also recommend speaking with the Careers service when you make an application, because having a Careers professional give you feedback on your application before you make it can help to fix any errors that you might have missed.

Where to get support

We appreciate what a difficult and uncertain time we are experiencing and help and support is available to you in the following places:

• If you are a Lancaster University student please visit the Student and Education Services website where you will find a range of support including financial advice, mental health and wellbeing services.
• You can also get support from your College Advisor Team
• And from the Students Union Advice Team at advice@lancastersu.co.uk