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Part-time jobs

A part-time job is a great way to develop your employability skills and enhance your CV, whilst supporting yourself financially at University. 

 

Popular pages on the careers website

Skills development

Build useful skills and experience employers want through part-time or vacation work. These roles can help you develop:

  • customer service skills
  • communication
  • teamwork
  • problem-solving
  • time management
  • confidence.

Many students find work which fits around their studies in retail, hospitality, leisure, care, security, warehousing and more. 

To improve your job search:

  • If a CV and Cover Letter is required to apply, tailor both documents for each job you apply for. Use the guides and resources in our CVs, Applications and Interviews section. If you need further help with your application, book an appointment with a Careers Adviser.
  • Keep a list of the jobs you apply for so you can track deadlines, job titles, and companies and avoid confusion.
Use the tabs below to see where to look for vacancies across different sectors.
Find vacancies
Generic: Part-Time Jobs Websites
  • Handshake - our jobs board listing part-time, placement and volunteering opportunities
  • Save the Student - collates part time jobs from sites such as Reed, Monster, Target Jobs, and Total Jobs 

You may find opportunities via generic job websites, such as:

At the University

You may find opportunities on campus working as a:

  • ‘Student Ambassador’ for the University
  • 'Brand Ambassador’ or ‘Campus Ambassador’ for large companies to promote their company (e.g. Deloitte, Student Circus).

There may also be opportunities in the University and Students Union food and drink outlets. Ad-hoc mystery shopping opportunities with the Library are sometimes available.

Where to look:

  • Unitemps - on-campus recruitment agency who advertise opportunities on and off campus. You can speak to Unitemps staff at their weekly drop in sessions in the Careers Hub, ground floor of the Lady Hale building (Learn more about drop-ins here: Careers | University of Salford).
  • Mystery Shopper (Library) - earn money by giving feedback on your experience using the Library
Retail Jobs

  • RetailChoice is a specialist jobs board for retail vacancies in the UK.

  • Try searching for opportunities on local retail parks and shopping centres, for example:

  • Salford Shopping Centre

  • Manchester Arndale

  • Trafford Centre

  • Manchester Fort

  • West One Retail Park (Eccles)

  • Swinton Square Shopping Centre

    You can find vacancies in supermarkets through each supermarket’s website: ALDI, Lidl, ASDA, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, Tesco, Waitrose, M&S Food.

    Tip: Check the individual retailer’s website for job vacancies. Many shops don't advertise on the shopping centre’s website. Large chains will usually ask you to apply online. Some small independent shops may accept an in-person CV.

Hospitality Jobs

Hospitality includes places that serve food, drinks, or services to customers. This includes restaurants, cafés, bars, hotels, and fast-food outlets.  

Where to look:

  • BarZone - A specialist jobs board for hospitality roles across the UK

  • Restaurant chains examples across Manchester:  Pizza Express, Wagamama, Bella Italia, Prezzo, Carluccios, Ask Italian, Bill’s, The Ivy, Rudy’s Pizza and more. 

  • Fast Food chain outlet examples: McDonald's, KFC, Five Guys, Taco Bell, Burger King, Subway, and others.

  • Café / coffee shop chain outlet examples: Greggs, Costa, Starbucks, Caffe Nero, Pret A Manger etc.

  • Hotel chain examples: Holiday Inn Express, Travelodge, Premier Inn, Leonardo Hotels, Motel One, Hilton, Marriott, Crowne Plaza, Yotel and more.

    Please note: there are numerous independent bars, restaurants, cafés, and coffee shops across Greater Manchester. The above are just a selection of chain hospitality operators. 

Care / Support Work Jobs

Students may find work in care homes, hospitals, supported living services and more. Some roles may require previous experience or a driving licence. You can look for opportunities on the following sites: 

Arts, leisure and volunteering

You may find opportunities in museums, leisure centres, sports venues, art, theatre spaces and more. Examples include:

Other sources of part-time jobs

Other sectors may recruit students on a part time basis. A few examples: 

  • NHS Jobs (nationwide roles, including support roles)
  • Mystery Shopper (ad hoc opportunities. Search for credible agencies via the Mystery Shopping Professionals Association) 
  • Greater.Jobs (Greater Manchester local authorities)
Christmas jobs

Christmas can be a busy hiring period. Employers start to advertise for their Christmas jobs around end of October onwards. Retail, hospitality, and delivery companies (Royal Mail, Evri, Amazon etc.) often recruit over Christmas.  

You may also find festival and events jobs, especially in summer.

Search for these opportunities using the websites in the other sections above.

Other Approaches to Finding Part-Time Work

Speculative Applications 

A speculative application is where you reach out to employers who may not be advertising roles but may be open to hiring. You can contact them by email, phone or visit them in person if appropriate (e.g. retail or hospitality).

Before making a speculative approach, research the company thoroughly. Enhance your chances by including a compelling covering letter with your tailored CV. Explain the type of opportunity you're seeking, why you're interested in working for the employer and what you can offer them.

More information about speculative applications here: How to write a speculative job application | Prospects.ac.uk

Recruitment Agencies

Some sectors may use recruitment agencies to fill part time or temporary roles. Use Agency Central, a recruitment agency database, to search for recruitment agencies by industry and / or location.

Further support

Watch our How to Find employment eLearning for tips on how to focus your job search.

Speak to a Careers Adviser

Get guidance from our friendly team of Advisers. 

Open to current students and Salford Alumni only.