Part time jobs

Einstein?

Hi forum people...

I'm in 1'st year here at DCU, doing Science. I'm wondering where's the best place to get a part time job and tips on how to approach this issue because I've never had a job before. I've got a mint CV done out - trouble is that I don't know what to do next.

I'm looking for a weekend Sat/Sun job in whatever retail near DCU because I live around Drumcondra. Perhaps up in the omni or in one of the shops nearby. With regards to that? How do I approach it? - Like... do I go up and ask a guy in the shop 'any jobs available' or what? I'm probably stressing this out too much but I'm a newbie to the world of work so please give me some advice.

I've seen theres a lot of research centers based at DCU. Do you know if they hire any undergraduates for research assistant positions or anything. If any of you have done something like this please let me know. I would much rather work at something to do with my degree than some random retail work.

Thanks in advance,
Einstein?

Suaimhneach

Hi Einstein,

Yes, you approach individual shops and ask if there are positions. You leave your CV and hope someone will respond. In this current climate, student jobs are far and few between.

There are probably research jobs but I dont think many (if any) go to first years.

I am not sure how you can have a mint CV if you've never had a job before and if you can't spell 'a lot' - I'm not having a go at you, but that's the truth.

I'd recommend you look on jobs.ie for jobs in the city centre (much more choice and it's only 15-20 mins from DCU) as well as in the DCU area. However, you'll have to be a lot less picky, as there is a saturation of willing students and a lack of good part time jobs.

Best o' luck though.

DeadMoney

Being totally honest with you man, you will find it VERY tough to get work in Dublin with no previous work experience. The pool of applicants for any job is now huge so employers can be extremely picky these days in who they choose to hire. I am 23 and have been working since I was about 14. I have had loads of jobs over the years both part time and full time and I am finding it very tough to get anything. Once the exams are finished in Jan I am going on the hunt big time but I am expecting it to be tough. My advice is make up some past jobs and get some made up references coz you have not got a hope in hell of finding a job when people like me will be applying to the same jobs and others who have even more work experience then I have. Most retail places probably don't even check up on references so just make them look believable and get a friend to shout for you if the do ring. If they make them out to be bogus, what harm, you just dont get the job, you still wouldn't have gotten it if you had no referee's. If you have any family or friend contacts then that is the best avenue to get employed. I would rather be connected than experienced in the world of work believe me!! Does your Mam/Dad/Older brother etc know anybody who could give you some hours?? Apply everywhere and ALWAYS ask for the manager when handing out your CV, try your best to hand it to him/her. It's a numbers game and you just gotta whore yourself to every single potential employer you can thing of!!! Oh and always ring them back to enquire if you apply online and if in person call in to the store or office. Make a nuisance of yourself and they will see that you are very motivated to finding work. Believe me these are the things that many people will be doing to find jobs so you gotta join the race. Best of luck!!

ConmanTheKiller

I`d have to agree with the above post. All last year I was looking for a job, throwing CVs every which way and I still didn`t even get called for an interview.
In the end even though I had a lot of experience in retail, it was when I finally asked my dad if he knew anyone with a position available that I got a job.

Urizen

Einstein, you're basically me last year. However, I've got no advice to give, as I'm still unemployed.

You CV is probably the same as mine - nicely laid out, lots of extra curriculars and all that, no experience but 'willing to learn'. We're just in the wrong economic climate for that to work.

Actually, I do have advice. Use people. Any connections you have, anywhere in retail, use them. Pride isn't paramount here, beg and wheedle if need be.

Ha, funny how desperation changes people. Good luck getting something.

tomissex

I've been working in Penneys for the past year and a half, minimum of 11 & 1/2 hours (one weekend day and an evening) I started as a Christmas temp and got kept on and they're really great employers! They all start looking for summer staff in April-May which I know is a long way away when you need money but if you start pestering early, you may come across a sudden vacancy! Good luck with the hunt!