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FINANCIALLY AESTHETIC · GUIDE 23/37
MAKE YOUR FIRST MONEY: PART-TIME & STUDENT WORK
FA-5.1 · Income, Work & Making Money Young
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WHY THIS PAYS
Your first job is partly about income and partly about learning how work, pay and boundaries operate.
Why Look for a Student Job
Finding a job is, above all, an opportunity to earn side income and make your budget work. It also provides your first taste of the working world and helps you develop new skills that will benefit your future career.
A student job can offer several benefits. For one thing, it helps you become financially independent. It also allows you to expand your network by meeting professionals or simply interacting with your coworkers, which will surely be useful as you move forward in your career. Finally, a student job helps you prepare for the working world. It helps you strengthen your resume to make yourself more attractive to future employers, learn to manage your time more effectively by balancing work and school, and refine your career choices by trying out different fields. In fact, a student job is above all an opportunity to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.
Types of Contracts You Should Know About
When it comes to the employment contracts you can apply for and the associated rights, it’s very simple: there are temporary employment contracts, also known as temp jobs. This means you’ll work through a staffing agency that offers you short-term assignments in various fields, from sales to construction. It’s convenient because you can choose the assignments that fit your schedule.
There are also fixed-term contracts (CDD) for seasonal jobs or one-time assignments, as well as permanent contracts. If you’re looking for a long-term position, of course, compensation for the work performed is one of the rights associated with an employment contract, just like weekly rest time, vacation, and social security benefits. So, be sure to read the details of your contract carefully before signing.
Step 1: Find the Right Job
The sectors that hire the most young people include retail - such as supermarkets or clothing stores - as well as the hospitality industry, schools, childcare, and tutoring. These fields often offer jobs with flexible schedules tailored to students’ needs, but there are also lesser-known sectors that hire, such as the healthcare field. You can work as a hospital support staff member. If you love animals, you can offer your services as a pet sitter.
If you’re bilingual or have strong language skills, you can do online translation work. In the field of sociology as well, even as a student, you can administer survey questionnaires or polls. In general, students don’t think to look for student jobs in their field of study or even in a field they’re generally interested in.
To strike the right balance between work and student life, it’s essential to choose a job with hours that fit your class schedule and to make sure you set aside time for studying and leisure activities. It’s best to opt for part-time jobs with more or less fixed hours to maintain a stable and regular routine. Also, prioritize jobs close to your school or home to reduce commute times.
Available for one month, two months, never on weekends, or certain days of the week? Finding a job requires a lot of motivation and organization. Numerous studies show that it becomes difficult for students to succeed academically if they work more than 15 hours a week. So, prioritize jobs with limited hours that fit your schedule!
To find an interesting job, clearly communicate your constraints to your potential employer:
- Days or times when you’re unavailable
- Difficulty commuting
- Medical restrictions (allergies, back problems, etc.)
Step 2: Organize Your Job Search
You can visit 1jeune1solution.gouv.fr to find all the job openings near you. You can also check out specialized online platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, or Job Teaser. These are great resources for finding job openings as a student. There are also websites specifically for student jobs, such as Jobaviz, the CROUS website dedicated to student jobs, Student Jobs, and the CIDJ (Youth Information and Documentation Center).
To organize your job search effectively, you should first create a resume and a compelling, personalized cover letter that you’ll tailor to each industry you’re applying to. Next, to avoid risking missing out on an interesting opportunity, set up alerts on your phone. That way, you’ll be on the lookout as soon as a job posting goes live online.
In some cases, you can go in person to submit your application, particularly in the restaurant industry. This demonstrates your motivation and interest in the position. But in most cases, sending your application by email is more than enough. Be sure not to overlook word of mouth - whether from friends and family, teachers, or even professionals you meet in your daily life. They might just be the ones who help you find your future employer.
Have you applied but haven’t heard back yet? Consider following up on your application by email or phone.
Specialized Platforms and Networks
Jobaviz, the CROUS website dedicated to student jobs: employers post job openings there daily. Its key features:
- The ability to create one or more search profiles. For example: a “School Year” profile, a “Vacation” profile. Job type, availability schedule, geographic area...
- Targeted job postings that match each of your search profiles. For example: no full-time positions offered in January for an “Academic Year” profile.
- The ability to complete your resume and make it available to employers - which gives them the freedom to contact you directly.
The government platform 1jeune1solution.gouv.fr, dedicated to helping young people enter the workforce (work-study programs, internships, jobs, etc.), also features a section dedicated to student job listings.
The CIDJ and all 1,300 organizations in the Info-Jeunesse network (Youth Information Offices and Points - BIJ and PIJ) serve as local points of contact for these matters. A section dedicated to job listings is available on cidj.com.
On the jobs-ete.com website, you’ll find:
- Practical information and advice on writing a resume and cover letter, organizing your job search, and the types of seasonal jobs available.
- Job listings, of course displayed on a map so you can select your preferred region or find jobs near you.
- Clear summaries of relevant laws (minimum compensation, employment contracts, rights of people with disabilities, etc.)
- Dates for job fairs, workshops, and meetups in each region where you can connect with recruiters and/or professionals from the Information Jeunesse network.
Other Paths to Explore
Becoming an educational assistant or school life assistant. The application process to become an educational assistant or school life assistant - particularly in high schools and middle schools - is organized by each school district. You can apply - in one or more school districts - by logging in to the school district websites. Visit the website of the school district of your choice: there you can review general information about the program and submit your application. Please note that this job requires a significant time commitment.
Working at your university or through the CROUS. Having a job on your campus offers certain benefits, such as academic credit for your professional work, in the form of ECTS credits or any other arrangement established by your institution. You may also hold multiple contracts of this type with other public higher education institutions, without prejudice to the maximum contract period of 12 months between September 1 and August 31. The types of assignments you may accept include:
- Supporting staff in libraries and other departments
- Cultural, artistic, scientific, athletic, and social events
- Initiatives in the areas of health promotion and sustainable development
Junior Enterprises. A Junior Enterprise is an association based within a higher education institution. Created by students, this association allows them to carry out, as part of the curriculum offered by their institution, professional assignments for the benefit of private or public companies.
The students they employ are compensated through the payment of fees based on project summaries broken down into “study days.” Operating on the model of consulting firms and managed entirely by students, they conduct studies for a variety of clients (entrepreneurs, SMEs, micro-enterprises, large corporations, local governments, etc.) studies aligned with the areas of expertise of their higher education institution. To check if a “junior enterprise” exists at your institution and find its contact information, visit junior-entreprises.com.
The Information Jeunesse network. Feel free to visit one of the centers in the Information Jeunesse network. Bij, Pij, Crij... these organizations are located throughout France and are ready to assist you with information.
Local employment agencies. They provide a variety of community-based services for young people, including career guidance and job placement. They can also help you find solutions to practical problems you may encounter during your job search.
Network and word of mouth: leverage not to be overlooked
Don’t overlook word of mouth - whether from family and friends, teachers, or even professionals you encounter in your daily life. They might just be the ones who help you find your future employer.
Step 3: Apply
Your resume should include your contact information, your most relevant work experience, your skills related to the job, your current education, as well as your extracurricular activities and main interests, which will give your resume a more personal touch. In a cover letter, you should explain your interest in the job, highlight your skills relevant to the job you’re applying for, and demonstrate your motivation to join the company.
The qualities most sought after by employers are generally a strong ability to adapt and be flexible, as well as communication and teamwork skills, which greatly facilitate integration into the company - whether in your resume or cover letter. The goal is to stand out from other candidates. For example, list your strengths in foreign languages, qualifications, and certifications such as your diplomas: BAFA and first aid certification, computer skills, and even your driver’s license.
Give yourself the best possible chance if you’re applying for your first job. You likely have little professional experience to highlight. No problem - just emphasize your volunteer experiences, internships, academic projects, and the various skills you’ve acquired over time.
Identify Your Strengths
Make a clear list of your strengths: they’ll help you target the jobs that are right for you. Knowing your strengths will also make it easier to write your resume and help you “sell” yourself effectively during job interviews.
- Foreign languages
- Qualifications and certifications: degrees, BAFA, first aid
- Computer skills
- Work experience, internships, work-study programs, volunteer work
- Interpersonal skills: sales aptitude, comfort on the phone
- Driver’s license or means of transportation
- Hobbies: playing a musical instrument, competitive sports
You can also use the tool to help you create a personalized resume on the 1jeune1solution website.
Preparing for the Interview
To prepare for an interview, research the company and the position. Practice answering common questions you might be asked, and prepare questions to ask the recruiter. This will demonstrate your interest in the position. As for your attire, tailor it as much as possible to the company’s professional environment. One last thing - it goes without saying - but be punctual.
Mistakes to Avoid
There are a few mistakes to avoid during your job search. Avoid applying for jobs that don’t match your skills or interests. Also, if possible, avoid applying for jobs that are too far from your home or school, because commutes can quickly become a burden and exhausting.
Spelling mistakes in your resume or cover letter should also be avoided. So before sending your application, have a friend or family member proofread it. Have confidence in your skills. Stay persistent despite rejections and remain open to opportunities.
Be Careful with Diplomas and Fraud
If you’ve misplaced your diploma, you can obtain a certificate of completion (digital or paper) or even a duplicate. If your personal information has changed, you can also request a reissued diploma.
To prevent the theft of personal data and/or identity theft, never post your diplomas on social networks.
Using a fake diploma is a crime punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a fine of €45,000. Be authentic!
When looking for a job, watch out for the following signs that may indicate employment fraud:
- You are required to pay fees to apply
- the job offer promises a high salary for little or no labour
- the employer has no physical address or contact person
- the employer seems willing to hire anyone, even someone without qualifications or experience
If you believe you are a victim of job fraud:
- Contact your local police to file a complaint
- Report the fraud through the national fraud reporting system
Understanding Your First Salary
After receiving your first pay stub, you may be surprised to find that your net pay is less than your gross pay. Gross pay is your total income before deductions. Net pay is the amount you actually receive after deductions. Mandatory deductions include:
- income tax;
- Employment Insurance (EI), which provides temporary support in the event of job loss, illness, or parental leave;
- the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), which contributes to retirement income.
The employer also makes additional contributions to the CPP and EI on the employee’s behalf.
These payroll and withholding mechanisms, as well as a comparison of fringe benefits across different jobs, are discussed in greater detail in the chapter on managing your budget and your first salary.
YOUR NEXT MOVE
Target real roles, tailor the application, verify the employer and understand the pay arrangement before starting.
CURRENT-RULES CHECK
Legal protections, tax rates, reporting duties, deadlines and product rules change by country and over time. Use the jurisdiction labels in this guide and check the linked official source before acting.
- Financial Consumer Agency of Canada - Your first job - Canada - first-job money basics.
- Canada Revenue Agency - Starting to work - Canada - pay and tax basics.
- FTC - Job scams - United States - employment scam warning signs.
