Despite unemployment woes, those seeking part-time work are finding success. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 19 million Americans currently work part-time - 34 hours or less each week - a statistic that is relatively unchanged from that of one year ago.
“With today’s economic climate, working part-time is no longer an option, it’s a necessity,” says Ilyse Shapiro, founder of the job search Web site MyPartTimePRO.com. “Every day, I speak to moms who must go back to work to provide greatly-needed income, retirees who can’t afford to stop working altogether, and others who need an appreciable second income after putting in a full day of work.”
Shapiro suggests job seekers heed the following eight tips to help seek out companies that offer part-time or flexible employment opportunities:
1. DO RESEARCH. Despite the current economic situation, many industries are still actively hiring part-time staff, including healthcare, accounting, IT, sales, education and fundraising. Performing online research and reading industry-specific journals will inform you of who is hiring in your area.
2. GATHER INFORMATION. Speak with those in your professional and personal networks to find out what is going on within specific industries and firms.
3. TALK TO OTHER PART-TIMERS. Gain greater knowledge of different companies’ hiring policies by finding out how others got their part-time jobs. Do not forget to get names of hiring managers.
4. CONNECT WITH ORGANIZATIONS THAT USE PART-TIME HELP. Web sites like MyPartTimePRO.com specifically display part-time, professional-level jobs. Other online and off-line services are available to help moms and retirees return to work.
5. ENGAGE RECRUITERS. Do not just contact general staffing firms; research those who serve your specific industry. In addition, many companies outsource their hiring to recruiters. If there is a specific employer you are interested in working for, contact their Human Resource department directly to find out which firms recruit for the company.
6. TAILOR YOUR OWN POSITION. Many companies strictly hire full-timers. When interviewing, show the hiring manager how you can do a great job in less time. Other firms may not even realize they need your services and will create a position for you based on your captivating presentation.
7. USE ONLINE NETWORKING. Make use of online tools other job seekers and recruiters actively use: LinkedIn, Facebook, ListServs, and newsgroups.
8. VOLUNTEER. If you are seeking employment with an association or non-profit organization, volunteer first. Volunteering provides the potential employer with a first-hand look at who you are and how you perform.
For further information, call Ilyse Shapiro at 610-642-7427.
Ilyse R. Shapiro is the founder of MyPartTimePRO.com, a job search web site which connects educated and accomplished individuals with employers who hire flexible, professional-level staff.
MyPartTimePRO.com provides an alternative to other job search web sites, which promote full-time positions, “dubious” part-time opportunities, or employment for the unskilled or entry-level worker. The site strictly communicates project-based, seasonal, virtual, temporary, job share, short-term, telecommuting and part-time opportunities to educated career veterans who are not seeking traditional, full-time employment. Currently, the site connects employers and job seekers within the NYC and DC corridor plus virtual positions nationwide.
