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Securing a part-time job can often feel more like a game and less like a professional endeavor. There seems to always be unspoken rules and subjective thoughts about how the perfect candidate shows up. But the truth is you shouldn’t have to guess when it comes to your future, and you shouldn’t have to feel like you’re playing the long game. But! The good news is it isn’t rocket science, and the Career Center is here to help. We’ve compiled all the things you’ll need to ensure you are acing interactions with prospective part-time job employers. Now you don’t have to guess you’ll be able to grow with repetition and practice.
What are employers looking for?
Problem solving + Teamwork
- According to NACE’s most recent Job Outlook survey, about 90% of employer respondents said one of the main indicators of a strong candidate is their ability to situationally solve problems. Nearly 80% of employers say they are seeking candidates who can co-collaborate and thrive in team settings.
Skill attribution
- Employers actively seek candidates who highlight skills and experiences they’ve acquired either through their work in the classroom or from internships. These lived experiences add value to your application while simultaneously showing employers a high level of self-awareness. When you are able to speak to your experiences, your strengths, where you lack and the holistic skills you’ve gained, you become more a more appealing candidate.
Soft skills matter
- NACE’s 2025 Job Outlook survey shares that about 70% of employers say they view written communication skills, initiative and strong worth ethic as attributes that make a candidate more alluring.
- Technical skills are important, but soft skills are integrated into every aspect of any job. Whether you’re interviewing, working on a team project or communicating with superiors soft skills make you a more rounded professional.
Beyond the job description
- The interpersonal skills of a candidate directly influence the work you will do on the job. Learning more about the qualities employers are looking for in a candidate will better inform how you show up when you’re applying for a job. These are things like active listening, empathy, conflict resolution skills, adaptability and being able to digest criticism. These are skills that go beyond the technical and literal applications of your job. According to Indeed, ambition, communication, confidence, critical thinking and dependability are the top five qualities employers look for in candidates.
When it comes down to it, obtaining a part-time job doesn’t have to be some unsolvable riddle it’s really about showing up as someone an employer can consistently count on and trust. Skills like problem-solving and working well in teams are what gets you through the door. Self-awareness and follow-through are what keep you there.
The details and the little things like having a good attitude, being open to change and knowing how to work within different dynamics are what gets you recognition. It’s not going to happen overnight. Start building skills and practicing these things now so when opportunity comes knocking, you’re willing and able to rise to the occasion. The career center is here for all of your job exploration needs! Don’t hesitate to swing by and chat with us!
By Raigan Clay