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Part Time Jobs

By , About.com Guide

Definition: Part time jobs are those that require you to work 35 hours, or under a pre-determined amount of hours set by an employer, or less in a given week. Part time workers can be anyone - students, parents, people seeking full time employment, or people who don't want or need the time commitment of a full time position.

Part time jobs are available doing almost anything - retail and restaurant positions are the most common, but most industries use some part time workers to supplement their full time staff.

Employers hiring part time workers are often looking for flexibility in scheduling. When seeking a part time position, be sure to take into account your other commitments, so that you can inform the potential employer of your availability. Part time positions can sometimes work their way into full time work, depending on the structure of the company. If you are looking for full time employment, sometimes taking a part time position is a good way to get your foot in the door, so to speak. It can be a way to gain the experience necessary for full time employment, and also a way to show an employer your commitment in the workplace.

Part time positions rarely offer the benefits associated with full time positions. If you have benefits through a spouse or parent, however, working part time may pay nearly what the full time position does (especially if paid hourly), and allow you more flexibility to pursue other interests as well.

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