3 Steps to Find the Perfect Part Time Job

How to Search for a Part Time Job in New York City

Along with the rest of the country. New York City was greatly affected when the stock market came crashing down last September. Since then, the cutting of jobs have left many people searching for work; both full time employment and part time jobs. Some are looking to change career paths completely while others simply want to find part time work in order to stay afloat until the economy picks up or other full time employment presents itself.

When you've worked in a certain field for awhile, searching for a part time job can seem intimidating, but do not stress because this article will give you some starting points from which you may realize hidden gifts or aptitudes you didn't even know existed. For all you know, the temporary job you find will lead to a career path in something totally unexpected, but even more worthwhile. New York City isn't called "the City of Dreams" for nothing! Hidden in its most unsuspecting locations are great opportunities just waiting to be found.

Step 1 -- What are your priorities?

Do you have a family to provide for? Do you need health insurance? Do you need to work in a particular area of the city? Do you need a day or night job? These questions and more are also factors when searching for a part time job. Having a family may make it more complicated to just pack up and move somewhere else, so finding work near your home might be the way to go. Maybe you have small children or have other health concerns. Many nationwide retailers such as Target, IKEA, and Starbucks offer health benefits for part time work. Although most require you to work a minimum amount of hours in order to receive these benefits. If you need to work at night then looking for a job that allows you to work from home might also be a possibility. There are data entry and medical billing jobs which allow you to work out of your home. Or you could put those data entry skills to use at a hospital or other facility open 24 hours.

Step 2 -- What was your dream profession as a kid?

As part time work can involve just about any field, this can sometimes hinder the decision process. Sit down and start brainstorming about yourself. What are your hobbies, interests, likes/dislike, and talents? If you were an English major in college and love to read perhaps a bookstore would be a suitable fit for you or even working as a copy editor. Maybe you enjoy being around children and feel that your life experience has given you something to offer. New York City schools are constantly in need of substitute teachers willing to fill in when needed. The best part about both those jobs is that they're highly flexible allowing you time to continue searching for more permanent work or giving you the free time you want. Either way, spend some time getting reacquainted with yourself and your skill set in order to find a job suitable for you.

Step 3 -- Be confident and get your name out there

Now is not the time for the faint-hearted. After you have figured out several possibilities you want to try, stand in front of the mirror and give yourself a good pep talk. Practice your interviewing skills and remember why you've been hired in the past. Be ready to market yourself to each potential employer and start putting the word out to friends, former co-workers and family that you're looking for a solid part time job and are open to suggestions.

New York City is a great place to look for any type of work because the possibilities are practically endless! The more people you talk to about your search the more assistance you will receive along your way. Confidence is key to landing a great part time job. Employers will be focused on your skills in communication, honesty, and teamwork, just to name a few. The more you can display these qualities to those around you, the more likely someone you know may be able to recommend you to a potential employer. View yourself as a product you've just been asked to market. How would you go about establishing yourself as a product or service someone would want to invest in?

Finding part time work doesn't have to be overwhelming. By taking the measures mentioned, you can find one of the many part time jobs in New York just waiting to be found.

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Martin Craigs for AllNY.com