Are you coming to Madrid and still looking for a part-time job? Don’t worry, Madrid offers plenty of opportunities for anyone, you just have to keep in mind these tips to make the most of it!
Check new job offers on these websites daily
Looking for a job could be tough, but there are plenty of websites that could help you in the research! Some of the most popular job engines are infojobs.net and infoempleo.com, but there are a lot of useful websites where you can find lists of job offers and narrow down your job search by using the filters you like (part-time jobs is one of them). For example, i suggest using Jobs in Madrid, Glassdoor, The Local or Manpower. Check new job offers on a daily basis and don’t worry if you can’t find anything in the first place… maybe the job offer you’re looking for is going to be posted tomorrow!
Use keywords in your research
When you use those websites it’s very useful to use some keywords in your research. This will allow you not to waste time scrolling down your webpage and to go straight to the job offers that fit your profile the most! For example, if you are looking for a job as a waiter, it could be a good idea to include words like restaurant, tapas bar, waiter in your job search!
Look for job offers with fewer applicants
Many websites allow you to give a look at the number of applicants that have already applied for that position. It could be smart not to put too much effort on the job offers that already have more than 200 applicants (or something like that) and to focus on those ones in which you can stand out as one of the first applicants. Try to find job offers with less than 50 applicants and your chances to be noticed will be higher!
Prepare a good CV
Ok, you have found a job offer you want to apply for. What now? Well, now it’s up to you to upload or send your CV. Your CV will affect the first impression they will have of you, so be sure it represents you at your best!
- Make it as catchy as you can (but don’t choose childish designs): try to use Canva, where you can find plenty of pre-made templates of very good CVs!
- Then write your CV in the language in which the job offer is written: if the offer is in Spanish, try to write your CV in Spanish too.
- Remember not to use your CV as a report of your whole life: just choose the work experience that is consistent with the job position you’re applying for and make it visible by putting it at the center or the top of the page!
- Don’t lie on your CV: the truth will eventually come out and it’s best for you to leave a good impression even if they don’t choose you for that position.
- If you don’t have much work experience to offer, try to make your education stand out, and don’t forget to include all the projects you have worked on and all the experiences you have abroad (Erasmus+, Summer Schools, and Traineeships are always a good idea!)
Be ready for an interview!
If your CV was good, they will probably call you for an interview. Don’t worry too much about it and try to be as relaxed as you can: just try to be the best version of yourself. Try to arrive 5 or 10 minutes early (despite what you might have heard about Spanish people tardiness, it will always be appreciated!). If you’ve applied for a position in a very professional environment, then dress smartly and try to avoid informal language, unless the interviewer starts speaking with you in a more informal way. You can find more tips here.
And if you haven’t done it yet, check our tips about how to look for a job in Madrid!
By: Alessia Cuofano, University of Naples L’Orientale ’22
