How to write a CV for a part-time job: expert tips and advice

Looking for a side gig? Writing the perfect CV for a part-time job is the right place to start!

Whether you're a student or a worker who wants another income stream, a part-time job is the answer. This flexible job will allow you to pick up some extra hours on a casual basis. Get it right and you'll soon be joining the 8.2 million part-time workers here in the UK. However, landing the right role for you and your lifestyle can be competitive. 

Before you get started, you'll need to craft an engaging CV for a part-time job. So, how can you turn recruiters' heads? Within this guide, we'll take a look at the expert-backed advice you need to get ahead. It doesn't matter if you're new to the job market or an old hat, we can help you along the way. Here's everything you need to know to get it right.

How long should your CV for a part-time job be?

As a golden rule, your CV for a part-time job should be no longer than one page. While you might have a ton of things you have to say to the potential employer, understand that they don't have all of the time in the world. Recruiters spend an average of 7.8 seconds looking at each CV before making a decision on it. That means that you don't have long to make the right first impression. Keeping things short, engaging, and sweet is key.

If you're finding it hard to stick to one page, there are some ways that you can cut things back. For example, if you've been working for several years already, you may have held a myriad of part-time jobs. Go you! However, you can't list 10 different positions on a one-page CV… at least not easily. If that's the case, only highlight your three or four most recent or relevant positions. This approach saves you space and means you can keep things concise.

Additionally, when you're writing your CV for a part-time job, you'll want to include your core skills. However, that doesn't mean that you should write an essay about each of them. Instead, you can bullet point this list. You should also be sure to only include essential skills that set you apart from the crowd. Avoid simply listing generic traits. 

Structuring your CV for a part-time job

Your part-time job CV needs to include some important sections. You can't approach this freeform. Instead, you should follow a sturdy structure that recruiters can understand. If you're new to the game, here are the key elements you need to include on the document: 

• Contact details 

• CV profile / professional summary

• Skills section

• Experience section 

• Education section 

• Hobbies and interests (optional) 

Following the above structure will help you to create a concise CV for a part-time job. You can include a section on hobbies and interests if you need to bolster your application. 

Tips on how to write a part-time job CV

Are you ready to put pen to paper? If you're itching to start writing a CV for a part-time job, you might be looking for some tips to help you along the way. Luckily, that's where we come in! It doesn't matter whether you have years of experience or you're new to the working world, you can get this right. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you start writing: 

Make sure your contact details are clear

When a recruiter decides that they want to interview you, nothing (and we mean nothing) should stand in their way. For that reason, you should ensure that your contact details are as clear as day. Place these at the top of your part-time job CV. You should include: 

• Your name 

• Your email address

• Your phone number 

• Your location (e.g. Sheffield, UK)

You don't need to include your full address on your CV - although you can if you want to do so. Make sure that you use a clear font. You want recruiters to be able to read your contact details quickly and easily. You can also hyperlink your email address. That way, getting in touch will be a cinch for employers.

Highlight why you want part-time work 

Recruiters will be curious as to why you want part-time work rather than a full-time job. Since they can't read your mind, you'll need to spell it out for them. You can cover this question in your CV profile. For example, you might write “Looking for a part-time job while I complete my medical degree.” It's a quick tip that could make all of the difference here. 

Of course, there may be other reasons that you're looking for part-time work. For instance, if you already have a job but would like more money, you may look for extra work. On the other hand, you may already have a part-time job and want another one to go alongside it. Whatever the reason, the best course of action is to be upfront about it. You don't want there to be any grey areas in the recruiter's mind when they are making a decision. 

Match your skills section to the part-time job 

The skills section of your CV for a part-time job is important. This part of the document lets an employer know what you plan to bring to the table. Before you set out, take a look back at the job advert. What skills did the employer highlight? What are they looking for in an ideal candidate? When you have that information, you can use it to write your skills section. Where applicable, include the same skills that the recruiter is looking for. 

Always edit and proofread your CV 

The number one rule when you're writing a part-time job CV is to edit and proofread. Silly spelling or grammatical errors could lose you the interview quickly. The moment a job posting is live, recruiters get bombarded with a load of CVs. They need to find some way to whittle things down. One of the first things they will do is look for any mistakes. 

Include choice keywords on your CV 

Believe it or not, your CV may initially be read by a computer. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to find the best candidates. The software uses keywords to rank candidates. If your CV doesn't include the right words or phrases, you could get filtered out. While there's no exact science to making sure your CV is read accurately by the ATS, including the same words used in the job description or advert is a good place to start. 

Writing your part-time job CV profile

Your CV profile - also known as your professional statement - is a short introduction to you. What makes you an attractive candidate? What is your Unique Selling Point (USP)? What skills do you bring to the table? You will want to cover all of the above in a few lines. 

The aim of the game is to show the hiring manager that you have what it takes to fulfil the job role. If you're a student or have no prior experience, include any transferable skills here. You can also add a dash of personality. See our part-time job CV example below for an idea of how to write a great profile:

When you're writing your professional statement, consider what a hiring manager is looking for. They don't need your life story. These professionals merely want to know that you have the right attitude and skills to get the job done. Show off your credentials and choose dynamic vocabulary. 

How to share your experience so far 

Next up, you need to create an experience section for your part-time job CV. If you are applying for your first ever job, you won't have any experience to list. You can include any voluntary experience you may have or even any school projects that are applicable. 

Of course, you may be applying for a part-time job with a bunch of experience under your belt. If that's the case, you need to showcase it in the right way. Start by including the job title, company name, and years of employment. When you've done that, you can bullet-point your duties and achievements beneath the title. Take a look at our CV example below: 

Detailing exactly what your part-time job entailed will go a long way. Recruiters want to know that you have hands-on experience of the role. Don't be afraid to be specific here.

Writing the education section of your CV 

When you're writing a CV for a part-time job, your education section is essential. While your qualifications may not be directly applicable to the role, hiring managers need to see them. The fact that you've completed them shows a level of dedication. Keep things short and sweet - while also highlighting any skills you may have. See our example: 

You can use the bullet points beneath the main title to list any modules or experiences of interest. Think about what the hiring manager is looking for when they review your CV. 

The takeaway

Writing a CV for a part-time job doesn't have to be hard. Within this guide, we've covered everything that you need to know about this task. While it may seem intimidating at first, we've outlined the sections you need to include, along with some top tips to help you get started. Follow our advice to write this all-important document and you'll go far!

Looking for part- or full-time work? Finding your next role starts with an impeccable CV. If you're looking to get ahead of the game, check out our expert CV writing services or request a free CV review. TopCV has helped more than 600,000 professionals take the next step on the ladder. Getting a professionally-written CV may help you get hired faster!   

Recommended reading

• How to write a job application email that wins interviews

• Professional experience: how to list it on your CV

• How to write a professional summary for your CV

Related Articles: