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Finding a new job on Craigslist for part-time job seekers is simpler than you think but you do have to be cautious of scammers. In order to find a legitimate job on Craigslist, there are some things you need to know. Below, I’m going to share why I like Craigslist for part-time job seekers, and some tips for snagging the job you want.

WHY CRAIGSLIST?

The Boss is Doing the Hiring

In addition to writing on this blog, I do some part-time digital marketing consulting work for local businesses and entrepreneurs in my area. In the past when I was looking for new clients, Craigslist is where I would look first for new job opportunities. I was able to find 3 new clients this way. What I like about Craigslist is the fact that a lot of owners or key decision makers of small businesses post the ads themselves AND do the hiring. That’s what happened in my case. When the boss is doing the hiring, you’ll know rather quickly whether or not you’re being considered for the position.

Plenty of Part-Time Work

Craigslist can be appealing to part-time job seekers because many employers are looking for contract workers, or part-time or temporary workers. If you’re a mom, this type of work might be exactly what you’re looking for.

In addition, some positions in service industries come with flexible hours. This works well if you only want to work while the kids are at school. You can make some extra money, but be home for the kids when they get off the bus. In addition, some of the part-time jobs offer work-at-home conditions–even better!

FINDING  PART-TIME WORK ON CRAIGSLIST

When you get to the main Craigslist page for your city (or state in some cases), you will see the Jobs category on the right side. You can click on the word Jobs to search jobs in every industry, or you can choose a specific industry to conduct your search. There is also a Gigs category under Jobs on the main page. This is where you will find a lot of scam jobs. However, if you are a creative person, you should check these jobs out. Job listings for writers, talent, and computer people to name a few are posted here. Just be cautious and thoroughly scrutinize any position in which you have interest.

Once you’re in the main jobs (or gigs) page, to search for part-time work, just use the left-side column to find “employment type.” This is the same if you click on any of the industries listed under the Job category from the main page as well.

What to Keep in Mind

If you’re interested in a job posting but there’s no business name associated with the listing, inquire first before giving out your information. You also want to meet a prospective employer at a legitimate office location or place of business. However, there are some legitimate employers who don’t have an office location. As written in The Balance, you could also arrange to meet at a public location like a library or Starbucks or arrange a Skype interview. Keep in mind that if the job sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Tips for Finding The New Job You Want

I came across a great article about finding a new job on Craigslist by Guy Kawasaki. He ran a help-wanted ad on Craigslist for a position he needed to be filled. The following is a list of what Guy learned from his experience in hiring from Craigslist, and what job seekers can apply to their Craigslist job search:

1) Apply fast

If you wait a few days, employers who advertise on Craigslist may already fill the job. Indeed, looking for a job is a job, so don’t take a few days off (for example, the weekend) from your search. In fact, I find Saturdays and Sundays to be a great day to apply for a job on Craigslist. Get in the habit of checking the website throughout the day. New job postings are added often.

Tip: If you find a job you like but has an older posting date, send an email asking if the job has been filled. Write one or two sentences explaining that you have the skills and experience for the job and just want to know if it was filled. Sometimes employers didn’t find anyone qualified to fill the position, and new job postings pushed theirs down. Fewer people will be looking and applying for older postings.

2) Write a cover email

Don’t just attach your resume to your email. Include a cover email that addresses the position. The worst thing for an employer is to have a lazy employee.  Show you care enough about the position to take the time to write a well-thought-out cover email.

Tip: You can forget the cover letter and just use a cover email. I saw this posted online from a Fortune 50 recruiter who said she never reads cover letters. Your email is your cover letter. Make it short and sweet with bullet points as to how your skills match the job listing.

3) Rise to the occasion

If the employer asks for you to complete a “test” to make sure you are truly qualified for the position, then complete the test immediately if you want the position. By completing it immediately, it will show that you know what you’re doing and that you’re motivated.

4) Apply well

Job seekers should go above and beyond the expectations if the opportunity presents itself.  For instance, if the employer asks you to complete a test then maybe go one step further with it, or suggest something you would do next.  Basically, show the employer that you can take initiative. Most companies would love to find the one candidate that stands head and shoulders above the others, so be that person by applying really well. Ask yourself this simple question: “If I were hiring for this position, what would impress me?”

5) Don’t be stupid

In some instances, honesty is not the best policy: Either don’t mention your lack of qualifications or spend ten minutes to go learn what it is the employer is asking you to know for the position. If it looks like something you can learn in a reasonable amount of time (you don’t want to lie), then learn it!A lot of times, employers may want you to know a certain application or program, but don’t need you to be an expert in it.

Tip: Udemy is a great website offering courses in just about every category. You can learn almost anything in a reasonable amount of time.

6) Be personable

I added this one. Your cover email should allow your personality to come through.  If the ad also included the hiring person’s name, then use it. Show that you really read the job description and make mention of how your skills will pertain to the job’s individual tasks, responsibilities, and/or qualifications.

So what are you waiting for? Finding a new job on Craigslist should be much easier now that you have the inside scoop. Head over to Craigslist now and look for your next part-time job!

If you have applied for or found a job on Craigslist, please share your experience in the comments section!

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