Resume for a Part-Time Job (With Examples)

Securing a part-time job in 2026 can be an excellent opportunity to earn extra income while developing valuable skills that can enhance your career trajectory. With the rise of remote and hybrid work models, part-time positions have become more flexible and diverse, making it essential to craft a tailored resume that highlights your suitability for these roles.

This article will explore the unique aspects of applying for part-time positions and provide guidance on creating an effective resume that stands out in today’s competitive job market. Additionally, you’ll find tips and examples to assist you in your application process.

Key Takeaways:

• Using your main resume for a part-time position may decrease your chances of being hired due to perceptions of overqualification or misalignment of skills.

• Include an objective statement in your part-time resume that clearly states your intention to work part-time.

• Tailor your qualifications specifically to the job listing to demonstrate relevance.

• In the work experience section, list 2 to 3 relevant past positions that showcase your capabilities.

How is a Part-Time Resume Different from a Standard One?

When applying for a part-time job to complement their primary employment, candidates often make the mistake of submitting their primary resume.

This can undermine your chances for two primary reasons:

• Overqualification. While being overqualified can be beneficial in many job searches, it can be counterproductive for part-time positions, especially in industries like retail, hospitality, and services, which typically experience high turnover. Hiring managers may hesitate to bring on overqualified candidates due to concerns about quick turnover and associated costs.

  To enhance your chances, your resume should present you as a capable candidate without appearing excessively qualified.

• Specialization. The skills and qualifications required for part-time roles often differ significantly from those in your primary career. For example, a resume tailored for an engineering or tech role may not be suitable for a retail position. Crafting a new resume specific to the part-time job can markedly improve your chances of securing an interview.

What to Include in a Part-Time Resume

Here’s a proven resume structure designed to effectively communicate the essential information needed to land your desired part-time job:

1. Objective Statement. Including an objective statement is crucial for part-time resumes, unlike standard resumes. Since your availability may differ from full-time employees, it’s important to clarify your intent to work part-time upfront to avoid confusion during the interview.

   In 2-4 sentences, you should:

   • Clearly state the position you are seeking.

   • Summarize your qualifications that make you a strong candidate.

   • Indicate your availability in terms of working hours.

   Here’s a sample objective statement for a part-time bookkeeper role:

   Full-time engineer seeking part-time work as a bookkeeper, utilizing strong critical-thinking skills and computer proficiency. My problem-solving background and mathematical skills position me as an ideal candidate for this role. Available Monday – Friday, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

2. Skills Section. Highlight a mix of essential hard and soft skills relevant to the position. While domain-specific knowledge is important, soft skills like communication are equally vital.

   Here’s a sample skills section for the bookkeeping position:

   • Microsoft Office Excel

   • Spreadsheet Management

   • Intuit QuickBooks

   • Mathematical Proficiency

   • Highly Organized and Analytical

3. Work Experience. List 2-3 relevant job positions with brief descriptions of your achievements. Focus on quantifiable outcomes that showcase your skills rather than merely outlining responsibilities.

   Here’s an example work history section:

   Administrative Assistant
   ClearWater LLC
   May 2020 – Dec 2020

   • Prepared over 300 pages of paperwork for a company audit two weeks ahead of schedule.

   • Successfully filed orders and collaborated with suppliers, resulting in a monthly savings of $2,000.

   • Organized documentation and schedules with precision, facilitating swift onboarding of new hires.

   • Promoted for implementing an office optimization plan that enhanced employee productivity by 7%.

   Bookkeeper (Part-Time)
   Leeroy Associates
   Dec 2019 – May 2020

   • Generated detailed management reports using Microsoft Excel and FreshBooks.

   • Ensured regulatory compliance, saving the firm $8,000 in potential fines.

   • Streamlined general ledger and invoicing processes, boosting efficiency by 15%.

4. Education Section. List your educational institution, graduation date, and degree obtained. Optionally, you may include relevant coursework and GPA.

   Here’s a sample education section:

   University of Michigan
   2012-2016 B.S. in Computer Science
   GPA: 3.7

Complete Part-Time Job Resume Example

Here’s a comprehensive example incorporating all the elements discussed:

Resume Writing Tips for Applying to Part-Time Positions

Every hiring manager has unique criteria when selecting candidates for part-time roles. However, the following part-time resume writing tips can help you maximize your chances of making a strong impression:

1. Tailor Your Qualifications. Unless you have prior experience in the part-time role you’re pursuing, you’ll need to adapt your qualifications and experiences to align with the job listing’s requirements. Don’t hesitate to draw connections between skills from different industries, as long as they are relevant.

   For instance, your engineering experience may seem unrelated to a retail position; however, you can highlight your problem-solving abilities to demonstrate the critical-thinking skills necessary for customer interactions.

2. Showcase Computer Skills. Many part-time roles, especially in the current job landscape, may involve remote work. Even if you’re applying for an in-person position, demonstrating strong computer skills can set you apart from candidates who lack this proficiency.

3. Be Specific. With numerous applications flooding in for part-time positions, it’s crucial to stand out. Targeting your resume for a specific role enhances your chances of making a lasting impression and presenting yourself as a distinctive candidate.

   For example, if you’re applying for an office clerical position, highlight your technical competencies to define yourself as the “tech candidate” in the hiring manager’s mind.

4. Branch Out. Don’t hesitate to apply for positions where you lack direct experience, especially in entry-level roles. Unless the job requires specific certifications, you can often relate skills gained from previous jobs or volunteer work to the new position.

   For instance, someone with service industry experience can leverage their communication skills when applying for technical roles that necessitate teamwork and collaboration.

5. Prioritize Demonstrating Experience. Many conventions for full-time job applications don’t apply to part-time positions. Employers for part-time roles tend to focus less on the length of employment and more on relevant experience.

   Don’t fret about the traditional etiquette of what to include or exclude from your resume. Instead, emphasize demonstrating as much relevant job experience as possible.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

Expert

Don Pippin, MHRM, CPRW, CDCS

Don Pippin is an executive and HR leader for Fortune 50 and 500 companies and startups. In 2008, Don launched area|Talent with a focus on helping clients identify their brand. As a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Certified Digital Career Strategist, and Certified Personal Branding Strategist, Don guides clients through career transitions.