As of 2023, approximately 57% of international students in Canada worked during their studies. Also, according to the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development, OECD, Australia has seen a higher number of international students in the workforce while they study. The data illustrate the high percentage of international students who work while studying.
If you are looking for how to find part-time work as an international student, it could be for several reasons. Some of these include earning extra income, gaining work experience, or even meeting new people. There is a need to prepare for the process of getting a job in another country.
It’s important that you familiarise yourself with the rules for international students before applying for any job. You also have to learn where to look for jobs, what kind of jobs may be a good fit for you and how you can impress employers.
If you search in the proper way, you will be able to find a job to fulfil your work obligations while leaving your studies unaffected.
Here are some of the steps you can take to find part-time work as an international student.
1. Find out If You Are Allowed to Work
The first thing you will want to do when searching for part-time work as an international student is to ensure you are legally permitted to work in the country where you study.
There are variations in work rules across countries. In some countries, such as the United Kingdom and Canada, international students are permitted to work a certain number of hours during the school term. There are also other requirements that must be met.
Information on your work rights may be listed on your student visa or immigration documents.
2. Understand Your Work Rights and Restrictions
When considering employment in a new country as an international student, ask questions about:
- The number of hours you are allowed to work
- Whether or not working during school holidays is allowed
- What types of jobs you can do
- Do you require any supplementary permission
- When you can start to work once permitted
If in doubt, consult your university’s international student office or the official immigration website. If you understand what you need to do to maintain your student permission, you will minimise any issues or tampering with your immigration status.
Read Also: How International Students Can Build Work Experience Before Graduation
3. Search for Jobs on Campus
The university you attend may be the easiest place to land a job as an international student searching for part-time jobs.
The school provides work opportunities on its premises, which are often suitable for students. They can work in libraries, administrative offices, laboratories, sports centres, and other university departments, as well as in the cafeteria.
Campus jobs may be available, as they understand that you need to attend classes and other academic duties.
Make sure you check your university career website, student notice board, and university portal regularly. Occasionally, positions may be open for a brief period, so stay prepared.
4. Use Trusted Job Websites
There are many job opportunities available on an online job site, and you don’t have to tour any establishments to get access to these.
Look for jobs related to students abroad, or mention the city or area where you live or study. It is also possible to search for specific jobs such as a retail assistant, receptionist, service worker, or school teacher.
Set up a “job alert” on a website, if possible. Then you can be notified when appropriate employment opportunities become available.
Do not rely on just one website. Look on multiple trustworthy websites and company career sites.
5. Prepare a Simple CV
There’s no need to make your CV too hard to make when trying to find a part-time job as an international student.
Be brief, concise and accessible. Include your education, previous experience, relevant skills and contact information.
Useful job experience is not limited to formal training but also includes volunteering, school projects, internships, and participation in community activities.
Communication skills, teamwork, computer skills, organisation, and customer service are all skills that many jobs abroad look for in international students.
Make minor changes to your CV for new jobs. Emphasise the skills most relevant to the job in question.
6. Apply for Flexible Work Opportunities
Studying should be very important to you, as it is the main reason why you are abroad. Excessive fatigue from a job can cause undue difficulties with school, homework, and your studies in general.
Therefore, seek flexible work available for students.
Possible options may include:
- Retail work
- Restaurant jobs
- Reception work
- Tutoring
- Administrative positions
- Customer service
- University assistant roles
Before taking a job, inquire about the working hours. Check whether the employer can be flexible with tests during exams or at especially busy times at school.
7. Take Advantage of Your University Career Centre
The university career centre can assist you a lot when you are trying to find a part-time job as an international student.
Career advisors can assist you with making your CV look optimal, rehearsing for interviews, and even introducing you to potential employers who have habitually employed students.
Also, career fairs are conducted by some universities. These events are an opportunity to meet employers, rather than just applying online.
Embrace these services, especially if you are not entirely familiar with the area where you are looking for a career.
8. Speak to People You Know About Your Search
Don’t use only internet applications. Discuss your job search with classmates, friends, and others in the student community.
It is possible that someone knows about an open job.
Networking can help you learn about job opportunities that may not be common knowledge. But before taking up a job, be sure to check it thoroughly.
Beware of someone promising to help you find employment — don’t pay anything for that.
9. Make Applications for Suitable Jobs
It may take time to find the right job, especially if you are a novice in the field.
Don’t despair if you are rejected a couple of times.
Apply for positions that you feel are appropriate and follow up on applications. The Company Name, Position, application date, interview date, and Result can be noted.
Meanwhile, don’t apply to every posted position. Focus on jobs that are available, legal, and match your skills and availability.
Read Also: What Should You Do If an Employer Asks You to Work More Hours Than Your Student Visa Allows?
10. Be Aware of the Risks Associated With Off-Campus Jobs
Otherwise, if your immigration laws permit it, you can also take up work off campus.
Schools may employ full-time students to work part-time at local restaurants, stores, lodging establishments, offices, or other businesses.
But take the time to make sure that the visa you are using for the position has no restrictions on working off campus.
Don’t be persuaded to work illegally or do more hours than you are allowed to work for your employer, as it may affect your student visa.
11. Get Ready for Interviews
If they call you for an interview, it means they are giving you some time to prepare.
Thoroughly explore the business and re-read the job description. Consider what questions you might be asked about experience, skills and availability.
Be realistic about your class schedule. If only certain days can be worked, notify your employer. This can help you avoid any issues once you’re employed.
Be clean-cut, punctual and knowledgeable about the possible interview questions.
How to Watch Out for Job Scams When Finding a Part-Time Job as an International Student
The job search should be the most cautious activity among international students. Beware of jobs that claim a very high income with a minimal amount of work.
You also need to be cautious if anyone demands that you pay them money to be employed. Before the job search, register on reputable job boards or websites, your university’s site, and official company sites.
Never email critical personal or financial information to someone you don’t know just because they say they have a job for you. Likewise, beware of jobs that do not use the company’s correct domain name. For example, company emails or websites that use free domain names rather than the standard .com extension may be a clear warning sign.
Also, beware of jobs that do not include any form of assessment or interview and just send you an address to visit to get the job started. This could be a clear warning sign that the job is a scam.
Balance Work With Your Studies
Finally, having a part-time job as an international student can bring money and experience. But never forget your degree.
Establish, for each day of the week, the subjects of all classes, time for study, time for work, rest time, and other activities you find important.
If work compromises your studies, do spare some time for them and leave some time for yourself.
The best position is not always the most paying. It is a job that suits your schedule, adheres to your immigration conditions, and leaves you ample time to excel in your academics.
