If you have roles to fill in your company, but they don't constitute hiring full-time help, you should consider looking for part-time employees. Utilizing part-time help can save you time and money and help manage company growth, either seasonally or long-term.
Deciding to hire part-time help and sourcing qualified candidates are not synonymous. Finding the right person requires some work, no matter the role you intend to fill. Use the guide below to help you search for the best part-time employees for your company.
If you’re ready to hire a part-time employee now, post your job opening on ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter distributes your job posting to 100+ other job sites with a single click. You can get started with ZipRecruiter for free.
How To Recruit Part-Time Employees
Recruiting part-time employees is often different than finding full-time employees. Part-time workers have different needs and preferences. Below are steps you should take when recruiting part-time employees for your business.
1. Know what you're looking for and what you can offer
The first thing employers should do is determine what they actually need in terms of a part-time employee. Is there a specific need you want to address with a new employee? Is it enough work to justify hiring part-time help, and if so, how many hours will it require each week?
You should also consider what part-time workers value and what you can offer them. People searching for part-time work often desire flexibility over other job benefits. How flexible is the role you're trying to fill? Do you need help during specific hours or days? Is the work something that can be done any time or remotely? What benefits come with a part-time job at your company? These are questions that you need to ask yourself before you post job openings within your company.
2. Create a realistic job description
Once you've narrowed down what type of help you need, it's time to create a job description that accurately reflects the open role in your company and the tasks it involves. Having an accurate job description helps to weed out job candidates that don't fit the role.
3. Post your job online
One of the best ways to attract job candidates is by posting the job opening on an online job board. Online job posting sites are an affordable way to get the word out about your job opening. Many job posting sites offer paid services and tools to help you maximize efforts and post your job on multiple boards.
You'll need to write and post a job ad online to attract potential candidates. The process isn't difficult, and most sites offer support. The best way to attract the right people is to include detailed information about the job, your company, and any qualifications or educational requirements. Your job post should include the following details:
- Job title
- Company information
- Job description
- Job duties
- Job requirements and preferred qualities
- Pay range
- Benefits
- How to apply
4. Utilize your network
In addition to using job boards to find candidates, you can also rely on your network. Let your professional connections, colleagues, employees, friends, and family that you are hiring. They may know someone looking for work that fits the role perfectly. If not, one of their connections may know someone. Referrals are one of the best marketing tools to find qualified candidates.
You can also use social media platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook to spread the word about the open position for free.
Related: How To Post A Job On Facebook
5. Take advantage of technology
Depending on your company's needs and how often you hire, it might be good to utilize technology to help with recruitment efforts. Recruitment software and ATS software can help streamline the recruitment process and track every detail in one central location. They are also useful if you have multiple people involved in the hiring process.
Benefits Of Hiring Part-Time Employees
There are several reasons employers should consider hiring part-time employees.
Takes Pressure Off Yourself Or Othe Employees
First, hiring part-time work can address a specific need or role currently unfulfilled within your company. It can also take some of the burden off of yourself or other employees trying to cover the need now.
Can Be Cost-Effective
It can also be cost-effective to hire part-time employees. It allows you to address specific needs that don't require full-time help. You're not paying someone to work a full week, only what is needed for the specific role. The federal government doesn't define part-time and full-time work, but many companies consider part-time workers as individuals who work 34 hours per week or less. Whatever part-time help means to you, hiring part-time employees can help you save money while still helping your company meet its goals and objectives.
Related: How To Hire Freelancers
Where To Find Part-Time Employees
As mentioned earlier, online job sites are a great place to find qualified job candidates. You might think these sites are geared towards full-time employees seeking a career, but most job sites list thousands of part-time or remote job opportunities. If you're thinking of hiring part-time help, here are three popular online job sites to consider.
ZipRecruiter
ZipRecruiter allows employers to post job openings to over 100 online job boards. The first job posting is free for employers. After that, ZipRecruiter offers various job posting packages to meet a variety of employer needs.
For more information, read our ZipRecruiter review.
Indeed
Indeed is one of the largest online job search engines. Over 250 million job seekers use the site to find employment, including part-time work. Job posting and management is free for employers, although you can pay to have your opening promoted on the site.
For more information, check out our Indeed review.
Homebase
Homebase is geared towards employers hiring hourly workers. A basic job posting plan is free for employers and allows you to create a career page for your website and post to multiple job boards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do employers hire part-time workers?
Part-time employees help fulfill specific needs that aren't currently addressed or covered by overstretched employees. Hiring part-time help can also save companies money by only paying for part-time hours. Employers also typically don't offer part-time employees the same benefits as full-time workers.
How many hours is a part-time job?
There are no set distinctions between full-time and part-time employees. Most companies define part-time employees as individuals who work less than 35 hours per week.
Do part-time employees get benefits?
Some federal laws, like the Affordable Care Act (ACA), require employers to provide benefits to workers who work a specified number of hours weekly or annually.
How can I find a part-time employee?
There are several ways to find part-time employees. Effective strategies include online job posts, social media, and referrals.
The Bottom Line
Part-time employees could be just what you need to fill critical roles within your business, spark growth, and take the burden off of your other employees. Consider your company's needs to determine if hiring part-time help is the right choice for you.
Ready to hire a part-time employee? Consider posting your job opening on ZipRecruiter.
