Shayna Gayer is a political science and journalism junior and is a Mustang News opinion columnist. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
Getting a part-time job in San Luis Obispo is not easy. I spent weeks applying, emailing and walking around town dropping off resumes before landing one. It can get discouraging fast, but don’t give up. It only takes one employer to call you back and give you a chance.
So, where do you even start? Finding a job takes a little strategy, some confidence and a lot of patience. Here are some tips to help you when you’re trying to land a part-time gig in San Luis Obispo.
1. Get it together
The first thing you need to do is get organized. Start by checking the Mustang Jobs portal through your Cal Poly account. It’s one of the best ways to find on-campus or student-friendly jobs. You can also stop by Career Services for help with your resume, interview prep or even figuring out what kind of job fits your schedule and interests. Then, branch out to bigger job sites such as Indeed, LinkedIn and local Facebook groups where small businesses sometimes post openings.
I find it helps to make a spreadsheet or document to track everything. Write down the name of each business, who you spoke to, their contact information and the date you applied. Add a column for notes, like whether you followed up or when to check back. It sounds simple, but when you’re juggling classes, homework and job hunting, it’s easy to lose track of where you’ve applied.
Be realistic about your schedule, too. If your classes are in the afternoon, look for early morning shifts. If you have 8 a.m. classes every day, maybe skip the coffee shop jobs and look for something with later shifts, like retail or restaurants. Don’t rule out seasonal jobs either. A short-term gig during the holidays or summer can lead to a permanent position or valuable connections later.
2. Make your resume shine
Before you apply anywhere, take time to update your resume. It should be clean, organized and easy to read. Highlight experiences that show off your reliability, teamwork and communication skills. Even if you haven’t had a formal job before, you can include volunteer work, group projects or leadership roles from clubs. Employers like seeing initiative more than a long list of random jobs.
Now, about cover letters. Yes, they can be annoying to write, but they make a difference. Keep them short but personal (that means no longer than one page). Tell the employer why you want to work there and how you can contribute to their team. If you’re applying to a local coffee shop, mention that you love the atmosphere or that you’ve been a customer for years. That small, personal touch shows effort.
Save each version of your resume and cover letter in a folder so you can tweak and reuse them for other positions. Staying organized from the start makes the whole process smoother.
3. Apply everywhere
This part can be tough. Let’s be honest, applying for jobs is repetitive and sometimes discouraging. You might send out 10 resumes in a week and not hear back from a single place. It’s frustrating and can make you feel like you’re wasting your time, but you’re not. Every application you send is practice, and every rejection brings you closer to the one yes that actually matters.
Do your best with each one. Double-check your spelling, make sure your resume looks clean and use a subject line that’s clear and professional, like “Part-Time Server Application – [Your Name].” Keep your message short but confident. You don’t have to sound perfect, just real. Employers can tell when someone’s genuinely trying.
The truth is, job hunting takes work, and some days it’ll feel like nothing’s happening. But keep going anyway. The people who get hired are the ones who don’t give up after the fifth or sixth try. Not every application leads to a job, but you’ll never get a job by not applying.
4. Put on real pants and show up
This is the part that separates people who get hired from those who don’t. Follow up. A few days after you apply, take a walk around town and visit the businesses in person. Bring another copy of your resume and ask to speak to a manager if they’re available. Even a quick “Hi, I applied earlier this week and wanted to introduce myself” can leave a great impression.
When you show up in person, it tells them you’re serious. Dress neatly, smile and look approachable. You don’t need to wear a suit, but look like someone they’d trust to represent their business. Be ready for anything, too. Sometimes they might interview you right on the spot. Having a few answers prepared for common questions such as “Why do you want to work here?” or “What’s your availability?” can make that moment easier.
If the manager isn’t there, leave your resume with your availability and ask when might be a good time to check back. Following up in person not only helps you stand out but also gives you a chance to see what the work environment feels like.
5. Fake it till you make it (confidently)
When you finally land an interview, take a deep breath and remind yourself that they already like something about you. That’s why you’re there. Show up a few minutes early, dress cleanly and bring another copy of your resume just in case. Be polite, make small talk and smile. It’s not about being perfect. It’s about showing that you’re easy to work with and genuinely interested.
When it’s your turn to ask questions, start with the basic ones like, “What are the hours?” or “When would I start?” This way, you get a good baseline of the job. Then ask questions that show curiosity and initiative. Try, “What makes someone successful in this position?” or “What is the work culture like?” These are questions that make you memorable and show you actually care about being part of the team.
After the interview, thank them for their time and, if possible, send a quick follow-up email to say you appreciate the opportunity. Little gestures like that show maturity and respect, and that can be the thing that tips the decision in your favor.
Getting a part-time job in San Luis Obispo is not for the weak. You’ll apply everywhere, drop off a ton of resumes, and probably get ignored more than once. Don’t take it personally. Stay organized, keep your resume clean, and follow up.
It’s repetitive and kind of sucks sometimes, but keep going. The hard work really does pay off. You only need one “yes,” and when it comes, it’ll make all the effort totally worth it.