Sometimes due to family commitments, we all cannot afford to work full time so we need to look for a job on a part time basis.

Looking for a part time job in the town of Stratford or anywhere in the UK is not always the same when looking for work on a full time basis.

Here is some advice and valued information that could save you valuable time when looking for a part-time work in Stratford.

Preparation: So that employers can contact you have a telephone answering machine at home or set up a voice mail on your mobile phone. This will come in handy so that when employers do contact yourself you can be prepared to have a interview on the spot as to say and maybe even get a job offer immediately.

Job Websites and Search Engines: We have looked at Job Search Engines and Job Websites in other articles and how they can easily help with your job search.

When on a particular site concentrate on part- time vacancies or hourly paid jobs you can do this by inputting” Part-Time” in the search box to refine your search. Another method when using Job Search engines is to localise your job search so go to the advanced section and input your city or town including your postcode to find local part-time jobs in your particular area.

Go Direct and Apply Online: Major employers like “Tesco” or Sainsbury’s” for example will let potential job seekers apply for jobs part-time on their respective websites. So visit the website(s) of the company you are interested in applying for and see if they will let you apply for a part-time job online.

Information Needed to Apply Online: When applying online for part-time jobs employers will ask for specific information this usually includes contact information your employment history(i.e. any previous jobs and relevant experience) and of course your educational background as well as other background checks for relevant employment.

Your Availability for Work: Your potential employer may ask you what days and hours you can work so have this information ready. There is nothing more frustrating to an employer when he or she cannot get a straight answer to your availability for work due to personal or family commitments so have your work schedule ready.

Awareness: This basically means been alert to job vacancies in your local area, for instance if you are looking for a part-time job in retail then its common sense to keep an eye on which retailers in the town centre have job adverts in their store windows advertising for extra staff or “help wanted” signs. The same applies if you are out on a shopping trip in the town there is no harm in going into stores on the high street and asking if they are taking on any extra staff now or in the near future.

Many part-time jobs are seasonal, as with summer jobs or jobs at Christmas when extra staff are needed for instance many retail stores will take on part-time staff during the Christmas period to cope with extra demand.

The same applies to if you are looking for part-time work in Hotels or Restaurants in your local area then the summer period may be the best time to look for a part time Job in this sector as an influx of holidaymakers and tourists will increase the demand for extra staff to help.

Check the local newspaper: Not all job adverts appear online so it is a good idea to check out your local newspaper for job ads. You will find that many small employers would rather advertise in the local newspaper rather than online due to costs so check out the classifieds ads section in your local newspaper.

References: Certain employers will call you in for an interview over the phone so have a least three references ready to show the interviewer. Your references should include the following information of the person(s) who is your reference their name and phone number and a e-mail address (if they have one respectively) and how long this person has known you.

If you do not have employment references then you may have done voluntary work or community work contact these people or organisations and see if they would be prepared to vouch for you concerning a reference. In addition to that, some employers will call you in for a quick interview without having filled in an application form so in this instance take in with you the following information if you need to fill one in before the interview.

·         Names and Addresses of all your previous employers.

·         Your Educational Background: Schools attended and dates and qualifications.

·         Dates of employment.

·         References.

·         Your CV or resume(Please have this up to date as possible)

Moreover, your availability for work, when you can start if successful and the days and hours you can work.

Applying in Person: This is said to be the best possible way for finding a part-time job.

Therefore, when applying in person make sure your dress code is neat and tidy including your hair and try to wear moderate looking shoes. We all know that first impressions count so try to make a good impression when applying in person for a part-time job.

List of Companies: Always a good idea to keep track of which companies you have applied to with respect to getting your part-time job. So keep a list of all the companies and the people you may have spoken to over the phone or in person this will save time and confusion in the long run.

Social Networking: Everyone well mostly everyone is either on Facebook or Twitter so why not post on Facebook or Twitter that you are looking for part-time work in your local area or town. You may know somebody who has recently acquired employment with a firm, so contact them and ask how they managed to get that job.

Networking is a easy way to get the word out as to say that your are looking for employment in most cases it does really work!

By following these simple guidelines you can be assured that you will find it easier to get that part-time job.