London Job Hunting Tips for Students

Taking on a part time job while studying at university can be a truly rewarding experience. You make a bit of extra cash, you meet new people, gain some invaluable experience to add onto your CV.

If you’re looking for a part time student job in the vast sprawling metropolis of London, you might not really know where to start. That’s where we come in.

Opportunities are many, but the competition is fierce. 

So here’s our list of top London job hunting tips for students, to get you started off on your jobseeker journey.

1. Do your research

Before you even start sending applications for jobs out, you should think about what sort of job you want and whether it will be beneficial to you in the long run.

Ideally you should be aiming to get a job that complements your course, your skillset, and interests, not to mention a job that will serve as valuable experience for your future career. 

Have a look around at different companies in your area or use job search engines to find relevant roles for you.

Also ask yourself these questions:

• Do you have the right skillset and knowledge to work in that job area? 
• Is there any extra experience you need? 
• What can you bring to the role? 
• What can the role bring to you? 

2. Put together a solid CV and cover letter

We couldn’t compile a list of London job hunting tips for students without talking about this essential part of the jobseeking process.

Once you’re set on a specific role, you need to send your CV and cover letter out to employers.

These two documents are the first thing that employers will see, so you need to sell yourself well.

If you don’t have a CV yet, here are some key things to include:

• Education – add in your education history, all the institutions you’ve studied at, and what qualifications you have gained.
• Job history – if you have any previous work experience then add it in.
• Skills – talk about any skills you have and how they are relevant to the current job role.
• Favourite hobbies – what pastimes do you have, and do they relate to the job? This section of your CV helps you to show off your personality a little more.
• Key achievements – list any awards that you’ve won

Your CV should be accompanied by a cover letter. This is your introduction to the company, and is a chance for you to tell them why you’re best suited to the job.

You should read the job description and talk about how your skills, qualifications, and experience are relevant to the job requirements. The cover letter should try to transmit some of your personal qualities and the passion you have for your chosen career.

3. Sign up for job alert notifications

One of the great advantages of living in the technological age is that a lot of the legwork is taken out of previously laborious processes for us.

Finding jobs can be a fairly pain-free process these days, if you take advantage of some of the great job websites available.

Top-quality jobseeking platforms are packed with relevant full-time, part-time, and freelance job opportunities in your local area and beyond.If you sign up to job sites and upload your CV and cover letter, you can adjust the search settings so only relevant listings appear in your results. You’ll also be sent notifications about new opportunities in your chosen sector.

You should also check out your university’s careers department and sign up to their jobs website to receive notifications about jobs they have listed. 

If you want to get an insider view into companies before you even send the application, then check out Glassdoor. Employees leave anonymous reviews about company culture, so you can make an informed decision before taking the plunge.

Oh, and don’t overlook LinkedIn. While it may technically come under the category of social media platform, it is actually one of the most effective job search engines out there, and a great place to start networking.

4. Get networking

Next up on our London job hunting tips for students is perhaps not top of your list but it ranks pretty highly for us: networking.

If your university hosts networking events then grab the bull by both horns and get attending.

In a big, competitive city like London there really is no better way to make your mark than by meeting the right people at the right time. Employers receive mountains of anonymous job applications and CVs, so if you can make a personal connection to at least put a face to a name, then you already have a head start against the other applicants. 

If nothing else, you get to rub shoulders with like-minded people and may even receive some useful advice and London job hunting tips for students and young professionals.

If you hit it off with someone, do the modern equivalent of swapping business cards: add each other on LinkedIn.

5. Make the most of your social media accounts

Social media is no longer just a place to upload pretty selfies and share hilarious cat memes. It’s the new way to network. 

Many employers have now recognised the power of social media and are using it to headhunt new talent. It’s also a powerful medium for you to show off what you can do to prospective employers.
If your desired job requires creative skills, having a well-designed Instagram page, a regularly updated TikTok account, or fascinating travel blog on BlogSpot can prove to employers that you can put your money where your mouth is.

Just be careful not to overshare too much of your personal life. Only upload things that you’d be happy for your future boss to see!

6. Perfect your charming interview technique

Once you’ve finally bagged a job interview, you must make sure that you attend it with your best foot forward.

Be prepared for all manner of career-related questions by having thought of the types of responses you’d give to typical (and not-so-typical) questions.

Read the job description well before the interview so that you are well versed in the required tasks. You should be able to list any skills and experience you have which will equip you for the daily tasks involved in the role.

Research the company and the industry you want to work in - you want to come across as informed and super keen. 

As a final tip, prepare some questions for the employer. By having some queries of your own you’re showing genuine interest and eagerness to learn about the role and the organisation.

And it goes without saying that appearance and attitude should be on point for the interview - a positive attitude, a big smile, and a clean, smart look will get you a long way.

Now that you’ve taken on our best London job hunting tips for students, all that remains to be said is good luck with your job search! With the right course, some cool part time work, and our stylish Yugo student accommodation to come home to everyday, you’ll be living your best life everyday in London!