Introduction

Many College of Charleston students pursue part-time employment while they are in school. Part-time employment provides extra spending money, as well as the opportunity to learn transferable work skills. However, the job search does take time and motivation. By following these three easy steps, you will be well on your way to a successful job search.

• Assessing Yourself.
  You will need to reflect on why you are looking for a job in the first place. Are you looking for experience or do you need a job to earn extra money? A part-time job can fulfill both of these needs. Before you begin your job search, you will need to determine your financial need, as well as decide the type of experience you would like to gain from a part-time job.
  
  
• Decide between an on-campus vs. off-campus job.
  There are many factors to consider when deciding between an on- and off- campus job such as transportation, convenience, class schedule, and financial need. Also, you will need to determine if you are eligible to pursue on-campus federal work study or SETA employment. On- and Off- campus employment can provide students with different types of work experiences.
  
  
• On-Campus- On-campus employment provides students with a flexible work schedule at a competitive hourly wage. Most departments hire during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m) so students will have the nights free to study and/or participate in extracurricular activities. However, there are some departments, such as Student Life, Residence Life, Campus Recreation, and Library, which will hire students for weekend and evening work.
• Off-Campus- Off-campus employment provides students with a variety of work environments. Students are able to gain experience in an area relating to their career goals, as well as network with companies in the local Charleston area. Wages are more competitive, and some employers are able to offer flexible work schedules. Weekend and evening work may be required.
  
  
• Sell Yourself!
  You will need to promote yourself to potential employers by showing them that you are the right candidate for the job. You might want to consider preparing a resume as a way to market your experience and skills. It is also important to know your work history and have a list of references.

Fall

Beginning of the Semester (August to September)

On-Campus

• Assess your interests and career goals and think about potential on-campus employers that would allow you to gain appropriate transferable skills for your future career.
• Think about your budget and determine the amount of hours that will support your needs as well as compliment your class schedule.
• Plan your class and extracurricular activity schedule and decide if you would prefer to work during business hours or during the evenings/weekends.
• Determine your job status: Federal Work Study, SETA, or Non-Work study.
• Register on CISTERNonline and browse the part-time on-campus job listings, making note of the job opportunities that capture your interest.
• Write down all of the appropriate information for applying to on-campus jobs. Follow the employers’ instructions for applying to their department.
• Contact the employers and request to fill out an application. Fill out all applications completely, neatly, and honestly.
• Be assertive and call departments that you would be interested in working for. Many departments may have vacancies in their department or they may be willing to hire an additional student worker.
• Prepare questions to typical interview questions. Remember to dress neatly and appropriately for your interview.
• Request an employment packet if you are a FWS or SETA student worker. Stop by the Career Center to request your employment packet after you have obtained on-campus employment.
• Complete your new hire paperwork. Employment packets include: a completed Student Employment Approval Form or Graduate Assistant Employment Approval Form, W-4, I-9 with proper documentation, and a direct deposit agreement (optional).
• Inform your employer of your class schedule so that you can work out an appropriate work schedule that fits both of your needs.
• Attend any training that is mandated by your department and read the Student Employee Guidebook to familiarize yourself with College of Charleston policies and procedures.
• Check CISTERNonline throughout the semester for new available on-campus job opportunities.
• Inform your employer of any schedule changes you may have throughout the semester (sick days, exam schedule, study breaks, etc.).
  

Off-Campus

• Identify different career interests and consider various industries that would relate to your career goals.
• Stop by the Career Center office and become familiar with the job search resources located in the Career Resource Center.
• Research organizations and businesses in the local Charleston area by utilizing the book and newspaper resources in the Career Center office.
• Register on CISTERNonline and browse the part-time off-campus job listings, making note of the job opportunities that capture your interest.
• Take a walk through downtown Charleston searching for help-wanted signs in store windows.
• Browse the classified section of the local newspaper.
• Network with upperclassmen friends to find out about unadvertised job opportunities with their employer.
• Be assertive and call local businesses and organizations to find out if they would consider hiring a college student for part-time help.
• Consider preparing a resume to take with you on job interviews.
• Make sure you know the dates, wages, names of supervisors, and job responsibilities of past employment.
• Apply to all potential employers by following the correct application procedures indicated in their job advertisement.
• Fill out all applications completely, neatly, and honestly.
• Prepare answers to typical interview questions.
• Promote yourself in an interview by dressing appropriately, arriving early, answering all questions effectively, and listening to the employer’s job information.
• Write a thank-you note to all employers thanking them for their time and consideration.
• Solidify your class schedule and budget and agree upon a schedule and salary with the employer.
  

Mid Semester (October-November)

• Develop any pertinent on-the-job skills and abilities that your employer has mandated for you.
• Determine if your work schedule is efficient for your academic progress. Adjust work schedule if needed.
• Participate in the Fall Career Fair hosted by the Career Center and use the Career Fair as a way to network with local organizations and businesses.
• Find out your work schedule for Fall Break and Thanksgiving break. Determine if your employer will need you to work during these school holidays
  

End of the Semester (December)

• Evaluate your part-time employment and decide if you will continue your employment into the spring semester. Determine if your part-time job is fulfilling your budget and career-related needs.
• Ask for an appointment with your employer to discuss your work performance and your employment status for the spring semester.
• Register for your spring semester classes and relate your new schedule to your employer. Adjust your work schedule if needed.
• Find out your exam schedule and consider changing your work schedule to factor in test and study time.
• Discuss your Christmas holiday plans with your employer. Keep in mind that Christmas is a busy time for many off-campus employers so be sure to determine a work schedule that will suit you and your employer.
  

Spring

A new semester brings in new changes. As you begin another semester, you will need to evaluate your new schedule and decide if you will continue your employment into the spring semester. Your employment status is determined by your employer so be sure to confirm with him/her your work schedule and expectations. If you are continuing your part-time employment, you might want to consider taking on new job responsibilities and expanding your transferable skills. Use every opportunity to learn and grow within your job. If you are considering new employment, follow the appropriate steps from the fall semester.

Beginning of the Semester (January-February)

On-Campus

• Evaluate your part-time employment and decide if you will continue your employment into the spring semester. Determine if your part-time job is fulfilling your budget and career-related needs.
• Browse CISTERNonline to view new and updated job postings. Some positions may have been left vacant due to graduating seniors. Apply to positions that you may have interest in.
• Plan your class and extracurricular activity schedule and decide on the amount of hours you would like to work for the semester.
• Inform your employer of your class schedule so that you can work out an appropriate work schedule that fits both of your needs.
• Continue to learn your job and develop more transferable job skills.
• Discuss your future plans with your employer. Let your employer know if you will be working through the summer, graduating, or changing jobs.
  

Off-Campus

• Browse CISTERNonline to view new and updated job postings. Some positions may have been left vacant due to graduating seniors. Apply to positions that you may have interest in.
• Determine if your work schedule is efficient for your academic progress. Adjust work schedule if needed.
• Begin to think about your summer plans. If you are considering working at a camp or resort, be aware of early deadlines (usually late February or early March).
• Check out the Summer File Cabinet and other Career Center resources about summer camps and academic programs.
• Attend workshops on resume preparation, the job search, and interview techniques.
  

Mid Semester (March-April)

• Participate in the Spring Career Fair. Many employers will accept applications and resumes for part-time or seasonal employment.
• Look on the Career Center's Event Calendar to see when off-campus organizations are coming to campus to recruit.
• Determine your work schedule for Spring Break. Many off-campus employers will expect you to work during this time.
• Use Spring Break as a time to think about your summer plans so that you can begin your job search when you return.
• Attend any summer job workshops or information sessions.
• Meet with a Career Center staff member to discuss how a summer job can assist you in your career goals.
• Decide if you want to continue working at the same part-time employment, pursue new part-time employment, or participate in a summer internship program.
• Search for part-time, off-campus positions on CISTERNonline. Many employers will begin posting their summer positions at the beginning of April.
• Tell your family, friends, and previous employers if you are coming home for the summer and need a job. The more people that know about your job search the easier it is to find a job.
• Scan the yellow pages of your hometown phonebook to identify potential employers.
• Find the local paper's job postings on the web.
• Register with temporary employment agencies in your area.
• Use the Internet to learn about potential employers. Many times companies have their contact information on their website. Search job sites, but follow up with a call.
• Contact local business associations or the Chamber of Commerce for a listing of potential employers.
  

End of the Semester (May)

• Secure employment for the summer. Whether you are continuing to work at the same job or you are pursuing new employment, be sure to discuss your new work schedule with your employer.
• Find out your final exam schedule and consider changing your work schedule to factor in test and study time.
• Plan your summer so that you can relate vacation and travel plans to your employer
  

Summer/Seasonal