Part-time CV template

by Michael Cheary

Looking for something flexible, but not sure your CV is up to scratch?

Whether you’re a student juggling studies, a parent seeking work-life balance, or simply someone who thrives in part-time roles, the right CV is the key to landing the position that’s right for you.

The good news? You don’t need to spend hours reworking your entire application. With the right approach and our free part-time CV template, you’ll be ready to impress employers and secure the part-time job you’re looking for.

Download your free part-time CV template

Ready to get started? Our comprehensive part-time CV template is designed specifically for flexible working applications.

Why part-time CVs need a different approach

Part-time roles often attract hundreds of applications, so standing out is crucial. 

Employers hiring for flexible positions look for specific qualities – such as reliability, strong time management, and the ability to make an impact in fewer hours.

Your CV needs to demonstrate these qualities whilst showcasing relevant skills and experience. 

CV format for part-time jobs

Here’s how to structure a part-time CV that employers will actually want to read:

Essential headings (in this order):

1. Contact Details
2. Personal statement
3. Key skills
4. Work experience
5. Education & qualifications
6. Hobbies & interests (Optional)
7. References

Formatting tips:

• Keep it to one page (or two, maximum)
• Use clear headings and lots of white space
• Bullet points save space and make life easier for recruiters
• Tailor it for every application you make 

A tidy, targeted layout makes it easy for employers to see exactly why you’re perfect for a part-time role. 

CV layout dos and don’ts

How to write a part-time CV

Here’s the winning formula for your part-time CV:

1. Contact details

Keep this section clean and professional:

• Full name
• Phone number (mobile preferred for quick contact)
• Professional email address
• LinkedIn profile (if you have one)
• Location (city/town is sufficient)

2. Personal statement

Your personal statement is prime real estate – make it count. In 3-4 sentences, answer these key questions:

• Who are you?
• What skills do you bring?
• What type of part-time role are you seeking?

Example personal statement for a part-time retail role:

‘Enthusiastic marketing graduate seeking part-time retail position to gain customer service experience whilst completing studies. Strong communication skills developed through university presentations and volunteer work with local charity. Passionate about delivering excellent customer experiences and available for flexible scheduling including weekends.’

And remember to tailor this section for every application. If the role emphasises customer service, highlight your people skills. For administrative positions, focus on your organisation and attention to detail.

How to write a personal statement

3. Key skills

A dedicated skills section that sits near the top of your CV is particularly important for part-time applications – as it helps you to demonstrate your value quickly.

Focus on skills that matter for part-time work, such as:

Time management and organisation

• Successfully balanced full-time studies with 15-hour weekly retail position
• Coordinated multiple university assignments whilst meeting all deadlines

Communication and teamwork

• Collaborated with diverse team of 12 in fast-paced restaurant environment
• Provided customer support via phone and email, maintaining 95% satisfaction rating

Adaptability and reliability

• Consistently available for varied shift patterns over 18-month period
• Quickly learned new point-of-sale system during busy Christmas period

Remember to include both soft skills (like communication and problem-solving) and any technical skills relevant to your target role.

Skills based CV template

4. Work experience

List your work experience in reverse-chronological order, but don’t feel obligated to include every job you’ve ever had. Focus on roles that demonstrate relevant skills or show reliability and progression.

For each position, include:

• Job title and company name
• Employment dates
• 3-4 bullet points highlighting achievements (not just duties)

Making the most of limited experience:

If you’re new to the workforce, emphasise any experience you do have:

• Part-time jobs during studies
• Volunteer work
• Work experience placements
• Significant personal projects

Example work experience entry:

Sales Assistant | Fashion Retail Ltd | September 2023 – Present

• Achieved 15% above individual sales target for three consecutive months
• Trained two new team members on store procedures and customer service standards
• Managed end-of-day cash reconciliation with 100% accuracy record
• Maintained flexible availability across weekdays and weekends

Lead with achievements rather than copying out daily duties- using dynamic words like ‘achieved’, ‘managed’, ‘improved’, or ‘delivered’, and including numbers wherever possible.

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5. Education

Include everything from GCSE level onwards, with the most recent qualifications first.

For each qualification, include:

• Qualification name and grade
• Institution name
• Year completed

What to include:

• University degrees (include relevant modules if they relate to your target role)
• A-levels and grades
• GCSEs (you can summarise as ‘9 GCSEs grades A*-C including Maths and English’)
• Relevant certifications or professional courses

If you’re currently studying, you can include expected results or mention that you’re awaiting results.

Example education section:

• BA (Hons) Business Studies, 2:1 Expected | University of Manchester | 2022-2025
  • Relevant modules: Consumer Behaviour, Digital Marketing, Business Communication
• A-Levels: Business Studies (A), Psychology (B), English Literature (B) | Anytown College | 2022
• GCSEs: 10 subjects grades A-C including Maths (A) and English (A) | Anytown High School | 2020*

How to write a CV education section

6. Additional sections

Depending on your circumstances, consider including sections for:

• Hobbies and interests: Most employers consider this section optional, but it can be valuable for part-time applications if your interests demonstrate relevant skills or show you’re a well-rounded individual. 
• Volunteer work: If you have significant volunteer experience, create a separate section for this. Treat it like work experience with achievements and specific examples.
• Certifications and training: Highlight any courses, certifications, or training programs you’ve completed that are relevant to your new career.

Hobbies and interests: Should I include them in my CV?

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7. References

Keep this simple: ‘References available upon request’ is perfectly acceptable.

Make sure you have credible references lined up – ideally a mix of academic and professional contacts who can speak to your work ethic and reliability. Always ask permission before sharing someone’s contact details.

Good reference choices:

• Recent employers or supervisors
• Teachers or university lecturers
• Volunteer coordinators
• Long-term family friends (not relatives) who know you in a professional capacity

How to get a reference

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How long should a part-time CV be?

Most part-time CVs should be 1-2 pages maximum. If you’re a student or recent graduate with limited experience, one page is often sufficient. Experienced professionals transitioning to part-time work might need two pages to showcase relevant achievements.

How long should a CV be?

Should I mention my availability?

Yes, but keep it brief. Mention your general availability in your personal statement (e.g., ‘available for flexible scheduling including weekends’) but save specific details for the cover letter or interview.

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Full-time hours vs. part-time hours: What you need to know

Can I use the same CV for different part-time roles?

While you can use the same basic template, always tailor your personal statement and key skills section for each application. Different roles require different emphasis on your experience and abilities.

Tailoring your CV: What you need to know

Top tips for part-time CV success

• State your availability up front. Be clear about the days and hours you can work. This helps employers quickly see if your schedule matches their needs.
• Demonstrate reliability. Employers value commitment, even in part-time roles. Highlight any long-term positions and be specific about your availability.
• Use numbers to show your impact. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements – for example, mention if you increased sales or improved efficiency.
• Tailor your CV for each job. Adjust your personal statement and skills section to reflect what each employer is looking for.
• Research the company. Do some research to understand the company culture and priorities. This can help you tailor your CV more effectively and prepare for interviews.
• Include a cover letter. Even for part-time applications, a brief cover letter that explains your interest in the role and how you can contribute can make a difference.
• Follow instructions. Pay close attention to the job ad’s requirements, such as preferred CV format or submission method.
• Proofread carefully. Check for grammar and spelling errors before you send your CV. Reading it aloud or asking a friend to review it can be helpful.

With these tips, you’ll make your part-time CV stand out from the crowd.

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Next steps

Once your part-time CV is ready, what’s next? Here’s our advice:

• Work on your part-time cover letter – Even for part-time jobs, your cover letter is a great way to expand on your suitability
• Build a strong online presence – Update your LinkedIn profile to match your CV
• Network actively – Many part-time opportunities come through word-of-mouth
• Practice your interview skills – Be ready to explain why part-time work suits you
• Stay organised – Keep track of applications and follow up appropriately
• Be patient but persistent – Pay attention to your mental health whilst jobseeking, and remind yourself that the right flexible role is out there

Remember, employers are increasingly recognising the value of part-time workers. You bring fresh perspectives, often have excellent time management skills, and can provide the flexibility that modern businesses need.

Your part-time CV should reflect confidence in your choice and demonstrate the professional value you offer. With the right approach and our template as your starting point, you’re well on your way to landing a job you’ll love.

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Ready to start your search? Browse part-time opportunities on Reed.co.uk