Youth Work in London: How to Find Part Time Employment as a Young Person

Balancing university life with part time work in London might seem difficult, but it is entirely achievable. With the right approach, a part time job can enhance your university experience by providing a little extra to your monthly budgets, and putting a few more cogs into the wheel of your future career.

At LHA London, we believe that opportunities in London should be accessible and achievable for everyone, but this can’t come without just a little bit of grift. Whether you want to use your job as an added stepping stone for the years following university, or have some more money in your wallet for those crucial nights out, social events, tickets home at the holidays, or cafe study time, this is our best advice on how to seize the possibilities that are open to you as a young person living in London.

How to find work in London

First off, let’s tackle the big one: how to actually find a job in London. The city can feel overwhelming. There are so many opportunities, but you might be struggling to figure out where to start, who to ask, which resources would really find you exactly what you’re looking for.

But, if you know where to look, there are plenty of opportunities out there.

1. Job Sites You Should Bookmark

There are loads of job boards designed specifically for young people or students that you can refine by career choice, hours, and even specific boroughs in London.

Even if you’re looking for something simple and easy whilst you study like bartending, retail work or volunteering, these platforms can be immensely useful and save you a little bit of time in your research.

Try:

• Indeed
• StudentJob UK
• Gumtree Jobs
• Prospects
• TargetJobs

Set up alerts so you don’t have to refresh the page every hour (trust us, your sanity will thank you).

2. Use Your Uni’s Career Service

Most London unis have a careers department or portal where employers post jobs exclusively for students. Check out their bulletin boards and attend careers fairs, even if you’re just going for the free pens.

3. Walk In: Old School Style

Sometimes, the traditional method works best.

Print a few CVs and go for a walk down the high street in your local borough. Although most companies will only accept applicants who apply online, some places like cafes, shops, pubs, and restaurants often have “staff wanted” signs in the window. First impressions count, so dress appropriately and be friendly.

Even if they don’t accept a printed CV, you might find a few places looking for part time work that you can make note of, and apply online when you get home.

4. Ask Around

Your classmates, housemates and friends might know of places hiring so it’s always worth checking to see if they know of anywhere.

Sometimes in London, jobs can get filled super quickly so word of mouth can actually be a really powerful tool.

Where to Work in London

As a student, you may feel you’re at a disadvantage when looking for part time work, but many places will be looking for people with skills and schedules just like yours. Your best bet is to find something that suits your schedule. If you’re not so bothered about finding work that suits your interests, and just want a little extra money and stability, then you may find more options open to you.

Here are some ideas of places to look for part time work as a student in London:

Hospitality

Think cafes, pubs, restaurants, and hotels. You’ll often find that hospitality has the most flexible hours, and will be looking for people who can fill in the busier evening and weekend hours. This is also a great idea if you prefer somewhere with a more sociable vibe, and you may even get discounts on food – invaluable.

Retail

High street shops are always looking for part time and even temporary staff, especially around Christmas and sales seasons.

Events

London, as you can imagine, has a massive market for events. You could apply to be an usher, brand ambassador, or ticket scanner. It’s varied and rarely boring. This might not offer much security, but it will get you some good job experience and fill in the time whilst you’re looking for something a little more permanent.

Tutoring

Tutoring other students or school pupils can pay well and be super flexible. It also opens a unique avenue for you to revise and show your knowledge of your area of expertise to future employers.

Freelancing

Got skills in writing, graphic design, photography, or coding? Use platforms like Fiverr or Upwork to find remote work that allows you to practically apply what you’re learning at Uni. Again, this is such a great way to get some work experience in and build a portfolio before you start looking for work after you graduate. Never underestimate those small, easy jobs. It’ll set you apart in a notoriously competitive job market.

Temp Agencies

Temp agencies will find short term work for you and sort out all the admin, which takes the pressure off you if you want something quick and easy or find job applications particularly stressful or complicated.

Jobs for Young People in London

If the above don’t appeal to you, then there are plenty more jobs aimed directly at young people in London. Here’s a few more specific ideas on where to look.

 Look for:

• Barista positions at independent coffee shops
• Museum or gallery invigilator roles
• Student brand ambassador roles
• Cinema attendants or box office staff
• Fitness instructors or receptionists at gyms

How to Create Your CV

If you’ve never had a job before, it’s completely natural to feel apprehensive about piecing together your CV; how to structure it, having no experience to list, and even just knowing what to put in your introductory section are very natural concerns. But, everyone starts somewhere. It might take a little bit of time, but it really isn’t as scary as it might seem.

Your CV just needs to reflect your potential.

Our CV Tips:

1. Keep it as concise as possible: Employers often get an influx of CVs and they don’t want to flip through pages and pages of your educational history. Keep it short and concise.
2. Use a clean, readable font: The font, sometimes, isn’t so important, and it might seem like a silly little thing to be picky about, but you should try to make your CV as presentable and professional as possible.

• Include a short personal statement: Include an introductory section that describes who you are and what you’re looking for. 2-3 sentences maximum. 
• List education and relevant experience:  Paid, unpaid, volunteer work, school work experience – it all counts. Any experience where you were given responsibility proves that you can handle yourself in a professional capacity. 
• Add key skills: As you get more work experience, you’ll be able to list these underneath your job roles, but for now, listing them as skills is enough. Things like teamwork, reliability and effective communication are all relevant for the job role. 
• Include hobbies if they show something valuable: Obviously, don’t list everything. But, for example, if you were captain of a sports team then employers will see you’re capable of leadership and self management. 
• Tailor it to the role you’re applying for: Employers like to see that you’re interested in their role. Skim the job listing and echo the wording and the skills they’re looking for on your CV.

Free CV Template Resources

Structuring your CV is usually the first hurdle that trips people up, but thankfully, everyone who has ever written a CV knows this. That’s why there are plenty of resources and templates you can use to figure out what goes where.

Any document creator like Microsoft Word and Google Docs will have templates available, but you can also use the following for more options:

• Canva CV Templates
• Reed CV Builder
• Kickresume

Part Time vs Full Time Work (What’s Best for You?)

Part Time Perks

• More flexible: You can fit it around your uni timetable.
• Less stressful: You’ve still got time for studying, socialising, and sleeping.
• Ideal for gaining experience without overcommitting.
• Often includes evening or weekend hours, perfect for students.

Full Time Perks

• A higher salary.
• Greater responsibility and sometimes faster career progression.
• May not be realistic during term time but could be a great option in the summer.

Unless you’re on a gap year or done with uni, part time is probably your best shout. Focus on roles that understand you’re a student first, employee second.

Help for Young People Working in London

You don’t have to do it all alone. There are many organisations and charities that are designed specifically to support young people on their way to living an exciting and successful life in London:

• Your local jobcentre
• National Careers Service
• London Youth
• Career Ready
• Reed in Partnership
• Vacancies with no experience in London

For further career guidance, including CV advice, take a look at the resources available at Youth Employment.

Additionally:

• ACAS: Offers advice on workers’ rights, including pay, holiday, and contracts.
• Student Unions: Often have legal advisors who can help if you’re having a tough time at work.
• The King’s Trust: Offers mentoring, training, and support for people aged 16–30.

If something feels off at work (unfair pay, weird hours, no contract), speak up. Even as a part-time worker, you’re allowed to advocate for yourself in your place of work. 

LHA London believes that opportunities in London should be accessible for all, including young working people. That’s why we provide affordable student accommodation across London that gives you the freedom to live your London life as you choose.

Our hostels cover all major points on the city’s map and cover your bills too, so you don’t need to worry about any additional costs while you focus on building the life you want.

For more information about how our charity can help you get set up in the big city, take a look at our available accommodation and volunteering opportunities, and don’t forget to check out our offer to discover what we can offer you.

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