7 Tips for Choosing Part-Time Employment

Part time employment is on the rise, according to the Society for Human Resource Management. Part time employment offers less than 40 hours of paid work per week and often comes with reduced benefits. Unemployment is on the rise and fewer full time jobs are available despite cost of living, personal bills and financial expectations remaining the same leaving potential employees willing to accept part time employment to earn a steady source of income. Before taking that position review 7 tips for choosing part time employment.

Tip #1: Women make more in part time jobs than men.

The New York Times published an article revealing women who work part time between five hours and 39 hours per week make more money than men with comparable jobs. After that 39 hour mark, men earn more. Families with one working parent are often hit hardest by unemployment and job changes. In the case of part time employment, women may earn more and men may be better utilized at home.

Tip #2: Review benefits for part time employees.

Ask for documentation of any and all part time employee benefits offered through the company. Often, some benefits will be available to the part time employee, but there could be an extended waiting period or limited benefits.

Tip #3: Address schedule flexibility in case a second job is needed.

If a schedule is not flexible, a part time employee may not be able to secure a second job to make up the full time hours required to earn enough money for household and family expenses. In a faltering economy, more employers are willing to offer flexible or fixed schedules to accommodate employees with multiple jobs.

Tip #4: Discuss potential schedules and hours of availability.

Part time employees may be asked to work early morning, late night or overnight shifts. Part time employees need to discuss availability in advance of accepting a part time job. Not all employers will accommodate strict schedule requirements such as working only during the day or having off every Saturday and Sunday.

Tip #5: Talk with company management or representatives about potential for full time employment.

Sometimes taking a part time position is a stepping stone toward a full time job, but this is not a written rule. During the application or interview process, ask about potential for full time hours and benefits after taking the part time employment position.

Tip #6: Make sure work is not considered seasonal or temporary.

Part time jobs are often offered year round, but during the summer months and holiday season, some employers will offer seasonal or temporary employment. This is a fixed time position that may or may not end in regular employment.

Tip #7: Research education advancement in terms of potential employment advancement.

Were you offered a part time position due to lack of qualifications for full time employment? Employers frequently work with employees to improve qualifications through advanced education. There is nothing wrong with asking a potential employer why you were offered a part time position over a full time position. If education is the issue, look into local community colleges or certification programs that may help improve your chances of gaining full time employment.

Rampell, By Catherine. "In Part-Time Jobs, Women Out-Earn Men - NYTimes.com."The Economy and the Economics of Everyday Life - Economix Blog - NYTimes.com. Web. 15 Nov. 2010.

More Career Articles from Summer Cavalier-Banks
Open Your Horizons to New Jobs in Your Field
How to Maintain Self-Esteem After Job Loss
Using SEO for Online Job Applications