If you’re reading this article, you are someone who is looking for a part time job in Ireland. You probably already work here and are looking for a side income or a student looking for a job.
Let me start by introducing myself, My name is Karan and I’ve been here for over 5 years. I’ve done part-time jobs for nearly 1.5 years before I got my professional marketing job. In the past few years, I’ve helped numerous students to land their first part-time job. It’s time for me to write a detailed article on how to secure your first part-time job.
How To Search For a Part-Time Job In Ireland
Often you’d be confused with what’s the ideal approach to look out for a part-time job. Is it to apply online or walk down to stores and speak with staff, etc? Based on my experience, let me tell you what is an effective approach to this.
Meet with Store Managers
For big stores, the job is listed online and you need to apply for it on a website and wait for the interview notification. However, smaller stores or small retail supermarkets generally put up a job vacancy on their notice board. You can go up to the stores and ask staff to meet their managers.
Once you meet the manager you should greet them and introduce yourself, and if you’re currently a student, mention that along with the flexibility you’ve to work, and highlight your previous experience if any.
Networking
The second step is to get a networking done with people who already have part time job. Ask your friends or neighbors who have a part time job to refer you if there is a job available in a place.
Apply online
The third step is to apply online. You need to keep an eye on websites, such as Indeed, job.ie, Lidl, Dunnes Stores, TESCO Careers, Aldi Recruitment, and Supervalu. Check these websites everyday, and keep yourself up-to-date. However, don’t underestimate the importance of networking and meeting store managers in person.
Follow Facebook groups and Instagram pages
Tips to find a part-time job in Ireland
Don’t just apply online and sit at home hoping you will get a call
You need to go out, network, and meet store managers. Walk outside your comfort zone to get more confidence. When you talk with a lot of managers you’ll get an understanding of how to talk and where you need to be improved.
Flexibility is important
This experience comes from my personal experience working for retail and marketing and managers need to make sure that they can rely on you and your flexibility.
When you talk with store managers and make the first impression, don’t say I have college from morning till afternoon or I have some lectures in the evening. It gives them a sense that they cannot count on you.
PPS number is important
If you already had a previous job and you have a PPS number, highlight that to the store manager. Or if you don’t have one now and you want to apply in the future, you’ll need a letter from the manager. It’s a brief letter that says you applied for the job and you need a PPS number to start working there.
If you live in Ireland and you want to apply for a PPS number, here is a useful guide for you.
Communication skills is important
This tip is very important especially if you’re somebody from abroad. Make sure that your communication is on point. Generally, if you’re applying for a part time job, mostly it’s a retail job where you’ll meet a lot of customers and people. So it’s crucial that you can communicate with people in a friendly manner.
You also need to make sure that there is no miscommunication gap. Although it’s natural to happen, don’t let your anxiety or shyness about communicating in a new place keep you away from leaving a nice impression on them.
If customers ask you questions that you don’t have knowledge about, it’s good to say I don’t know, but I’ll learn about it.
No work is small mindset
When you work in retail, you sometimes might be dealing with customers to sell products or giving some services, such as cleaning the floors. Don’t have a mindset that says you some works are more valuable than others. All works are equal and don’t let your mindset discriminate some opportunities.
When you work as a retail staff, you’re part of the retail family which tries to serve the customers and give them the best experience. Just focus on how you can show your best and perform better.
Multitask is beneficial
Whenever you deal with customers, you need to be able to multitask and keep an eye on certain points. For instance, if the stock is low, or there are products that you need to restock, keeping the place clean, handling the complaints, or a customer is looking for a certain product. Be active and try to keep an eye on multiple areas.
Cleanliness, hygiene and customer safety are important
Cleanliness, hygiene, and safety give both the customer and the staff a sense of comfort. So don’t forget the importance of this tip.
Knowing about these tips before you get the job will help you to communicate better or even if the interviewers ask you some behavioral questions, you’ll be able to answer easily which increases your chance to get the job.
Conclusion
We know how difficult part time job-hunting can be, but you have to remember to be calm and be yourself. Lying on your CV can be enticing but won’t help you in the long run.
Being confident and leaving a good impression on your interviewer can increase your chances of landing that part time job in Ireland. Keep looking at the right places and do not lose hope. Go get that perfect job you have been waiting so long for!
