Part-time job or summer job? Here is the advice you should take with you
Are you going to apply for a part-time job or a summer job? NITO's lawyer Anette Håvelsrud Wevle shares her best tips for the application, interview and employment contract, so that you are in a stronger position when applying for a job alongside your studies.
The job application
- Familiarize yourself with the company and explain why you want to work there.
- Show what you can contribute and highlight your strengths.
- Link your skills to what the employer is asking for in the advertisement.
- Answer specifically what is written in the job advertisement.
- Keep the application short and concise (maximum one page). Adapt the text to each job - avoid mass production.
- Proofread, and feel free to get someone else to read over.
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How to Write a Good Resume and Application
A well-structured CV and a targeted application are key to standing out in any job search process.
The job interview
- Read up on the company and the position you are applying for.
- Think about how you want to present yourself and practice this.
- Prepare answers to questions such as "Why did you apply?" and "Why should we choose you?".
- Think through your strengths and weaknesses and focus on what you can contribute.
- Be yourself, it creates trust and gives a better impression.
How to succeed at an interview
Thorough preparation gives you a solid foundation for making a good impression at the interview. By familiarizing yourself with the role, practicing questions and being aware of what you want to convey about yourself, you are well prepared.
From nervous to confident: Take action on the interview situation
We regularly arrange courses that give you practical tips and exercises to succeed in the job interview. Here you will get guidance from an experienced course leader, insight into what employers are looking for and help to present yourself in the best possible way. The course is suitable for anyone who wants to become more confident in the interview situation.
The employment contract
You are always entitled to a written employment contract, even in the case of short-term employment. An employment contract is binding on both the employer and the employee, and helps to create predictability and clarity in the contractual relationship.
"It is important to read the agreement carefully, so that you know what you are signing for," says Wevle.
Here are some other points you should be aware of:
- Working hours: The working hours and when you will work should be clearly stated in the agreement.
Ordinary working hours are usually 37.5 hours per week. (or up to 9 hours per day and 40 hours per week). It is also important that there is a location of working hours, for example 08:00 - 16:00, so that you avoid working all summer evenings. - Overtime and payment: If you work beyond the agreed working hours, you are generally entitled to overtime pay, including in a summer job. The overtime supplement must be at least 40 per cent of the salary.
- Collective agreements: Check whether the workplace is covered by a collective agreement. This can affect working hours, overtime pay, pensions and rights in the event of illness, among other things.
- Maple: Salary must be stated in the employment contract. In some industries, there are minimum wages stipulated in collective agreements, such as in cleaning, catering, accommodation and agriculture. These are industries many students work in during the summer, so it is a good idea to check what rates apply.
- Training: You are always entitled to training on the job, even if you are only going to work for a few weeks.
What the employment contract must contain
- Who are the parties to the contractual relationship (employer and employee/you)
- What you will do (work tasks)
- Where the work will be carried out
- Salary and any supplements, as well as when it is to be paid
- Working hours, breaks and scope of work
- Whether the employment is permanent or temporary
- The main rule is permanent employment
- Temporary employment may be relevant in the event of seasonal work or temporary employment. Then the agreement must state why it is temporary and how long it lasts
- Notice period
Everything of significant importance to the employment relationship must be stated in the contract. This means that if you have agreed on something verbally, this should also be included in the employment contract in writing.
"Without an agreement, there can potentially be disagreement about what the salary is, when it should be paid, what you should do or how much you should work," says Wevle.
Read more about the requirements for what an employment contract must contain
After the summer job
When the job is over, it is a good idea to gather the experiences you have gained:
- Write down what you've learned and what tools you've used
- Schedule a meeting with your boss and ask for feedback on the work you've done
- Get a written certificate that describes your tasks and strengths
- Ask if the employer can be a reference in future applications