Employer Guide
Everything you need to know about hiring students successfully
Why Hire Students?
Advantages
Flexible availability: Evenings, weekends, holidays
Motivated workforce: Students need income and experience
Fresh perspectives: Up-to-date skills and enthusiasm
Tech-savvy: Comfortable with digital tools and social media
Quick learners: Used to acquiring new knowledge rapidly
Cost-effective: Part-time roles with competitive wages
Best Fit Roles
Customer service and retail
Hospitality and food service
Administrative support
Tutoring and education
Event assistance
Digital marketing and social media
Data entry and research
Delivery and logistics
Legal Requirements & Compliance
Student Work Hour Limits
UK/EU Students
No restrictions on working hours
Can work anytime during studies
Full employment rights
International Students
Max 20 hours during term-time
Up to 40 hours during holidays
Must check visa conditions
Employment Essentials
Minimum Wage: £10.42/hour (18-20), £11.44/hour (21+)
Right to Work: Check passport, visa, or settled status
Employment Contract: Written terms within 2 months
Health & Safety: Provide safe working environment
Breaks: 20 minutes for 6+ hour shifts
Holiday Pay: 5.6 weeks pro-rata for part-time workers
Important:
Always verify a student's right to work in the UK before employment. International students must not exceed their visa work hour limits as this can affect their immigration status.
Writing Effective Job Posts
Essential Information to Include
Job Details
Clear, descriptive job title
Specific duties and responsibilities
Required skills and experience
Training provided (if any)
Practical Information
Exact location or area
Hours per week and shift patterns
Hourly wage (at least minimum wage)
Start date and duration
Student-Friendly Language
✓ Good Examples
"Flexible hours to fit around studies"
"Perfect for students"
"Weekend and evening shifts available"
"Understanding of academic schedules"
"Term-time or holiday work"
✗ Avoid
"Must be available 9-5 weekdays"
"Full-time commitment required"
"No academic commitments"
"Must prioritize work over studies"
Unclear or misleading job descriptions
Pro Tip:
Mention if you offer flexible scheduling around exams, understanding of academic priorities, or opportunities for skill development. Students value employers who respect their education.
Interviewing & Selecting Students
Interview Best Practices
Be flexible with timing: Offer evening or weekend interviews
Ask about availability: Understand their academic calendar
Focus on potential: Many students lack work experience
Assess soft skills: Reliability, communication, willingness to learn
Explain the role clearly: Set realistic expectations
Key Questions to Ask
Availability & Commitment
"What's your weekly availability?"
"How do your lectures/seminars fit?"
"When are your exam periods?"
"How long can you commit to this role?"
Motivation & Skills
"Why do you want this particular job?"
"How will you balance work and studies?"
"Tell me about a challenge you overcame"
"What skills from your course apply here?"
Red Flags to Watch For
Unrealistic availability (claiming 40+ hours during term-time)
No consideration of academic commitments
Multiple job applications without research
Inability to explain how they'll manage time
Poor communication or unprofessional approach
Managing Student Employees
Setting Up for Success
Clear expectations: Define roles, responsibilities, and standards
Flexible scheduling: Work around academic calendars
Proper training: Invest time in onboarding and skill development
Regular check-ins: Monitor performance and provide feedback
Academic respect: Prioritize their education when conflicts arise
Common Challenges & Solutions
Challenge: Exam periods and coursework deadlines
Solution: Build flexibility into your roster. Allow reduced hours during exam periods and be understanding about academic priorities.
Challenge: High turnover at graduation
Solution: Maintain good relationships with universities and continuously recruit. Consider offering references and career advice to departing students.
Challenge: Varying experience levels
Solution: Create comprehensive training programs and pair new students with experienced staff. Focus on transferable skills development.
Retaining Good Student Employees
Offer competitive wages and regular reviews
Provide opportunities for skill development
Recognize and reward good performance
Be understanding about academic commitments
Offer flexible contracts and holiday work
Write references and LinkedIn recommendations
Making the Most of PartTime UK
Sponsored vs Basic Listings
Basic Listing (FREE)
Best for:
Simple, straightforward roles
Local businesses with specific location requirements
When you have time to wait for applications
Sponsored Listing (£5)
Best for:
Urgent hiring needs
Competitive job markets
Premium or higher-paying roles
When you want maximum visibility
Platform Features
Direct contact: Students can access your details immediately for free, ensuring easy applications
Verified students: All users confirm their student status
Edit anytime: Update job details or requirements as needed
30-day visibility: Jobs remain active for a full month
Application tracking: See how many students have viewed/applied
Support system: Report any issues or inappropriate applications
Ready to Hire Your First Student?
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