Any advice for a student looking for part-time work?

IceWolf7

I'm a college student in South Dublin area really wanting a part-time job, whether it's waiting tables or working in a shop I don't mind. I've handed countless CVs out for weeks as I really want to save a lot of money this summer and not have to keep living off my poor parents.

Most places take my CV but don't seem to be taking people on, and if they do, they only want people who have previous waiting/retail experience, which I haven't had the opportunity to have yet.

I've tried almost everything I can think of now. Tried the Aviva stadium a few times, all the shopping centres and local businesses. I'm not personally comfortable with any promotional work so that's out. I babysit for a few families but it isn't a regular job with steady hours and pay. If nothing comes up in the next week or so I'm going to try summer camps, at least that would be something for a few weeks.

My CV is very up to scratch and I try to be very approachable and polite whenever I hand the CVs. I just don't know what I'm doing wrong. I know places want people with experience, but how am I supposed to get any experience if nowhere will hire me?!

red_bairn

IceWolf7 wrote: »

I'm a college student in South Dublin area really wanting a part-time job, whether it's waiting tables or working in a shop I don't mind. I've handed countless CVs out for weeks as I really want to save a lot of money this summer and not have to keep living off my poor parents.

Most places take my CV but don't seem to be taking people on, and if they do, they only want people who have previous waiting/retail experience, which I haven't had the opportunity to have yet.

I've tried almost everything I can think of now. Tried the Aviva stadium a few times, all the shopping centres and local businesses. I'm not personally comfortable with any promotional work so that's out. I babysit for a few families but it isn't a regular job with steady hours and pay. If nothing comes up in the next week or so I'm going to try summer camps, at least that would be something for a few weeks.

My CV is very up to scratch and I try to be very approachable and polite whenever I hand the CVs. I just don't know what I'm doing wrong. I know places want people with experience, but how am I supposed to get any experience if nowhere will hire me?!

What are you studying in college? Have you looked around for internships? What work experience do you have?

IceWolf7

Primary teaching! Literally the only work experience I have is working with children in various organisations. I've looked at internships but I don't think I would really be eligible for many..?

red_bairn

IceWolf7 wrote: »

Primary teaching! Literally the only work experience I have is working with children in various organisations. I've looked at internships but I don't think I would really be eligible for many..?

What about teaching English to foreign students that come over to Ireland during the summer?

IceWolf7

That's a good suggestion but I would be required to do a TEFL course first, which I havent had the time or money to do yet!

DavyD_83

Do you know anybody who is currently working anywhere you would be willing to work? Ask them to keep an eye out for any jobs and let you know.

In a lot of cases, when staff are needed the pile of CV is ignored (or a last resort), and staff are asked if they know anybody looking for workFrom my experience, the vast majority of hirings in retail are through recommendations from existing staff. all about connections and who you know unfortunately.

So, essentially ask anybody you know: where they work and if there are any jobs going?