The benefits of applying for a Part-Time Vacancy

Applying for part-time vacancies means you work fewer hours than a full-time worker. As full-time work is normally defined as 35 hours or more a week, then part-time can be anything up to that amount.

The reasons for opting to work part-time vary for each person – but there are so many advantages.

First, you can fit your job around your lifestyle. If you are a parent, you can choose to work part of the time and spend the remainder with your children. A job which fits in with school hours is perfect for busy mums and dads, while new mums often return to work on a part-time basis to spend more time with baby.

Students who need to work while they attend university or college usually take on a part-time job, as this means they can earn money and gain work experience, while still having time to devote to their studies.

Shorter hours are often favoured by older workers or retirees, who wish to top up their retirement income, or who simply enjoy the social aspect of the workplace.

A part-time job is ideal for mid-career employees who want to take up studying, or wish to retrain in another profession. It also gives you the chance to start up your own business, and still earn an income in the meantime.

And if you take on more than one job, you can have the flexibility of boosting your income as and when you need to.

Another benefit is that part-time workers now have pro-rata entitlements of full-time colleagues, including hourly rates, sick pay and holidays, training, pension schemes and maternity/paternity leave.

Even if you would prefer to work full-time, it’s always good to get a foot in the door of your dream company – they may offer you the chance to increase your hours once you have proved what an asset you are!