If you are looking to cover some living costs and gain valuable work experience, part-time jobs are a great option. Part-time roles prove to be a popular type of work experience that offers an opportunity to develop key employability skills alongside your studies.
For international students there are some restrictions and rules on working in the UK that you need to know.
Before you start applying for jobs you do need to make sure your student visa permits you to work in the UK on a part-time basis. For most international students living in the UK on a Tier 4 sponsored visa the maximum number of hours you’re entitled to work in a single week is 20.
You will need
When it comes to applying for jobs, attending interviews or accepting an offer of employment, you’ll need to provide the employer with some documentation.
Most employers will need to see the following before your contract can start:
- Your passport
- Your Tier 4 student visa showing your right to work a maximum of 20 hours in the UK
- Your National Insurance number (NI number). Click here to find out more about how to do this.
If you have a biometric residence permit (BRP) you may have a National Insurance number already. It will be printed on the back of your BRP if you do.
If you do not have a National Insurance number, you must apply for one if you plan to work.
Pay
The UK's National Minimum Wage (NMW) sets legal minimum hourly rates by age, with employers obligated to comply with this.
For current rates, visit the official UK government website here: Minimum wage rates for 2023.
Finding Jobs
There are lots of jobs available for students in Liverpool. There are on-campus roles, as well as virtual opportunities, and jobs in the local area.
Handshake is used by employers who are recruiting for full-time and part-time positions. There are opportunities for students on-campus as well as in Liverpool.
Part-Time Jobs Fairs take place on campus a number of times each year. Find them on Handshake.
Student Circus also features many full and part-time jobs for international stusents.
Make sure you’ve activated both accounts and completed your profile so opportunities can be highlighted to you.
We also share opportunities on our dedicated part-time jobs twitter account.
Applying for Part-Time Jobs
Part-time job CVs are different from CVs that you will submit for a graduate job application. These CVs require specific focus on general transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, organisational and customer-service skills.
If you are looking for guidance on how to create a part-time job CV, please visit this resource on Handshake that will provide you guidance on how to make a part-time job CV and examples of good part-time job CVs.
You will be able to gain additional feedback from a Career Coach in the Career Studio. If you want to make the most out of your visit at the Career Studio, take a look at the above resource first and create a draft part-time job CV before your visit.
Our Career Coaches are available in the Career Studio to help you find and apply for opportunities. Drop in to see the team - no appointment necessary.
More information
International Advice & Guidance and Careers & Employability have recorded a webinar with lots of useful information. Click here to view the webinar and visit the resource page.
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