Top 5 Tips for Getting a Part-Time Job Over the Christmas Holidays as a Student

As the festive season approaches, many students are on the lookout for part-time jobs to boost their income or to gain valuable work experience in their chosen profession. Whether you’re saving up for presents, a winter break, or just want to add some extra spending money to your budget, securing a part-time role during the Christmas holidays can be a great opportunity. Here are five top tips to help you land a job and make the most of your time while living at Bailrigg Student Living.

1. Start Your Search Early

The Christmas season is super competitive when it comes to job hunting, so it’s crucial to get ahead of the game. Many businesses start their hiring process for the Christmas period as early as late October or early November. Starting your job search early can give you a significant advantage over other students. Check job boards, the Lancaster University career services, and local businesses around Lancaster city for openings. Bailrigg Student Living’s proximity to both Lancaster University’s career services and the city centre makes it easy to catch wind of new opportunities and even pop in with applications in person if needed.

2. Polish Your CV and Cover Letter

A well-crafted CV and cover letter are non-negotiable when job hunting. Make sure your CV highlights any previous experience you have, even if it’s unrelated to the position you’re applying for. Transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and time management are key to many part-time roles. Living at Bailrigg can be helpful in this process, as you can easily attend workshops and access career resources provided by Lancaster University. The supportive environment means you can seek advice from university staff who are experienced in guiding students through the job application maze..

3. Look for Jobs in Retail and Hospitality

Retail and hospitality are two sectors that thrive during the Christmas season. Shops scramble for extra hands to manage the holiday shopping surge, while cafés, restaurants, and catering services need reinforcements to handle an influx of festive bookings. Living at Bailrigg Student Living gives you the benefit of being just a short commute away from the city centre. This means that when you are successful in your job hunt you can enjoy a manageable commute from your student accommodation to your workplace.

4. Be Flexible with Your Schedule

Employers often look for candidates who can work flexible hours, especially over Christmas when shifts can be as erratic as the weather. If you can offer availability during evenings, weekends, and even over the Christmas and New Years bank holiday, your chances of landing a job will increase. Bailrigg Student Living offers a convenient location that makes it easier for you to adapt to irregular work hours, thanks to the bus that stops right outside your door and, of course, the safe surroundings. Whether you need to leave for an early shift or come back late at night, Bailrigg provides a supportive home base.

5. Network with Friends and University Contacts

Sometimes, the best job opportunities come from word-of-mouth and a bit of networking. Never underestimate the value of a chat with friends, classmates, or even your lecturers about potential job openings they might know of. Lancaster University’s events and its tight-knit student community can be a great place to hear about opportunities. Whether it’s a casual chat in the shared kitchen or social events and meetups, chatting to friends can lead to potential job referrals or insights into job openings.

Why Bailrigg Student Living Is the Ideal Base

Choosing to stay at Bailrigg Student Living during the Christmas holidays has its perks. Not only are you close to the university’s resources, but you’re also just a short distance from Lancaster city and its cosy Christmas atmosphere. Bailrigg offers a great mix of community support and convenient access to public transport, making it easier for students to work flexible hours without worrying about long commutes or safety.

So, if you’re aiming to make the most of your Christmas break with a part-time job, follow these tips, and take advantage of all the benefits Bailrigg Student Living offers. Happy job hunting!