Part-Time Jobs

Gaining work experience is an important part of the career exploration and development process. Part-time work can help you assess your interests, values, and allow you to build new skills. Local and campus employers are always looking to hire candidates developing their career readiness skills, so follow the advice below for how to find the right part-time job opportunities for you.

On-Campus Jobs and Work-Study

On-campus jobs offer flexibility and helpful resources to accommodate student needs.

Advantages

  • Conveniently located near classes
  • Supervisors work around class schedules
  • Professional development opportunities to expand your skills and prepare for your career
  • Skills obtained can be applied to coursework
  • Faculty and staff interaction and involvement
  • Studies show that working improves school performance
  • Expand your campus community

Jobs to Fit Your Schedule

The UO has student employment opportunities both during and outside of regular work hours, so if you’re interested in working evenings, weekends and holidays, there may be a job for you!

Some departments that provide a variety of work schedules include:

  • Rec Center
  • Knight Library
  • Dining Services
  • Erb Memorial Union
  • Housing
  • Information Services
  • Athletics
  • and more!

Get Experience

Students who work on campus have a variety of opportunities to help prepare for professional work after graduation. The professional skills that you gain include:

  • customer service
  • time management
  • prioritization
  • project management
  • communication skills
  • problem-solving

Finding Part-Time Work on Campus, in the Community, or Remote

Know when you can work

  • You may be asked what days and hours you are available to work, so have your schedule available when you apply.
  • Take into account travel time to and from work so you will not be late for a shift.

Be prepared

  • Have a résumé ready to go that you can easily adapt for any role.
  • Have a professional voicemail message ready to receive employers' calls.
  • Answer unknown callers, you never know who’s calling to offer you an interview.
  • Be ready to interview on the spot and even get a job offer immediately.

Be alert

  • If you are interested in retail jobs, keep your eye out for "help wanted" signs in stores when you're out and about.
  • Ask the manager if the store is hiring if you don't see a sign.

Apply in person

  • Applying in person is often the best tactic for landing a local part-time job.
  • Your attire should be neat and your hair/fingernails well groomed.
  • Bring the information you'll need to fill out an application, including the names and addresses of previous employers, dates of employment, references, and a résumé. (Need résumé help? Come see a Peer Coach at the University Career Center!).

Apply online

  • Many major employers of part-time workers in Eugene/Springfield accept online applications via Handshake.
  • Visit the website of companies to see if you can apply online directly.
  • Many online applications ask for your contact information, education and employment history. You will need to know when you worked and what you were paid at your previous jobs.

Use your network

  • Be aware of the fact that many, if not most, job openings aren't advertised.
  • Tell everyone you know that you are looking for work. Ask if they can help.
  • Come by the University Career Center for help creating a job search strategy, they may also know of opportunities in Handshake you haven’t found yet.

Have references ready

  • Have a list of three references (previous employers, teachers, volunteer supervisors, etc.) including names and phone numbers ready to give to interviewers.
  • Make sure you reach out to your references to let them know you’re actively job-seeking—send them a copy of your current résumé so they’ll have some bullet points they can reference.
  • Names, email addresses, and phone numbers

Keep track

  • Make a list of the companies you have applied to.
  • After an interview, jot down the name of the person you spoke with. Follow up with them if you do not hear back.
  • If you accept another position, or decide not to interview for something after all, do not ghost the employer, email them and let them know you’re no longer interested. You never know when you might want to work at that place in the future, don’t burn a bridge.