Part-time software jobs, remote and home working, flexible working, part-time internet jobs, and part-time computer jobs have all entered the lexicon of the software employment HR manual. Software and computer companies are among the leaders in the development of work practices which suit the employee and how he or she wishes to live, but at the same time still deliver effective results and productivity from their staff no matter what employment terms they are on.
Software and computer companies require a wide mix of skill sets and the work is very often of a highly technical nature; SAP specialists, for instance, are always in demand with many opportunities available both through agencies and for individual contractors, and this is a pattern which is replicated throughout the sector.
Here are our top ten tips for getting the part-time job you want:
Tip Number One
Concentrate on the employer and its requirements, and especially the specifications for the vacancy. This is your instruction manual for what you have to provide the employer in order to get an interview, and once you have an interview it is your responsibility to show the employer that you have the skills and experience needed for the position.
When you apply for the job, alter your resume in such a way that the skills and experience you have which match the employer's needs are highlighted so the employer does not have to dig through the resume to see them — remember that he or she will be looking at dozens of resumes, so use yours to get the message across that you are one of the shortlist candidates for the position.
Tip Number Two
Dress for the interview appropriately and do not be late for the interview.
This is simple and very obvious but it is highly likely that one or more of your competing candidates is going to make a mistake in this regard, and this is a simple and very easy win for you in the competition to land the job.
Tip Number Three
Avoid using websites which charge employers to advertise a vacancy or require them to register to list the vacancy. These sites are simply restricting the number of vacancies they are able to list, as many employers will not list with every single one of them.
Many sites operate on this basis so they make money from the employer but offer a free service to the individual job seeker. This attracts more candidates to compete for a restricted number of vacancies, and in turn this means that competition is increased, lowering your prospects of landing the job. Also, the employer need not offer as competitive a remuneration and benefits package as they otherwise would since another candidate may accept the offer if you refuse.
Tip Number Four
Treat your resume with the respect it deserves. Your resume is the most powerful tool you have for convincing an employer that you are the candidate for the job and should be called for an interview.
In addition, resumes are frequently mass mailed out to employers with little thought as to whether the position is suitable for you. The only person who should decide when your resume is sent out to an employer is you, so make sure the service you use allows you to manage your resume and that there are strict security policies in place to protect the very personal information that it contains.
Tip Number Five
Do not pay a recruiter fees for placing you with an employer! Employers pay commissions and fees to recruiters if they hire someone for the job; that is the arrangement between them. You do not have to pay these fees.
Tip Number Six
Send your resume in to employers with vacancies you feel are above your experience level and offering remuneration beyond your expectations. You may be surprised at the responses you get. You should not be imposing an artificial ceiling on the value of your skills and experience.
If you are called for an interview for these positions then you should reassess where you are on the career curve and consider whether you should be asking for more money, more benefits, and a better job.
Tip Number Seven
Make sure that the web service you use has a dedicated team to collect and organize vacancy information and is maintaining the database of listings so they are accurate and up-to-date. This will ensure that you have the relevant information at all times and are not wasting your time applying for vacancies that have been filled or using poor information upon which you are preparing your resume and application.
Tip Number Eight
Looking for part-time positions does not mean you should adopt a part-time attitude to preparing yourself for the job search, application, and interview/selection process. If you prepare well you will stand out among the candidates applying for the job in your resume and in the interview process.
It is obvious to an interviewer when candidates have done their homework and when they have not.
Tip Number Nine
Use message boards, trade forums, and other discussion resources on the Internet to develop a network of contacts for finding information on hiring and vacancy opportunities before they hit the general listings and also to gain inside information on what is happening within your industry, the employers you are looking at, and any other information that comes through general trade chat.
Tip Number Ten
A simple method for ascertaining the legitimacy of a web resource is simply to go to the ''Contact'' or ''About Us'' section of the website and see if they have a physical mailing address and a landline telephone number. If they do not then they are not a serious service provider, so avoid using them.
