Berich Information

Welcome to Manchester! Whether you’re at the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), or the University of Salford, you’re in one of the most dynamic student cities in the world. But with a buzzing social scene and the rising cost of living, a part-time job isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a necessity.

The good news? Manchester is packed with student-friendly job opportunities. The bad news? Competition is fierce.

This isn’t just another list of job sites. This is your ultimate strategic guide to navigating Manchester’s student job market and landing a role that fits your life.

Part 1: Where to Look (Beyond the Obvious)

Your job search needs a strategy. Start with these high-value resources where employers are actively looking for students like you.

1. Your University’s Career Service (Your #1 Advantage)

This is your most powerful tool. These services have direct relationships with local businesses and offer jobs you won’t find anywhere else.

• University of Manchester: Log into CareerConnect. It’s your portal for part-time jobs, internships, and on-campus roles.
• Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU): Use My Career Hub. They list hundreds of part-time roles and also run Jobs4Students, their on-campus recruitment service.
• University of Salford: Their careers service has a dedicated job portal. They also run a Unitemps branch for temporary and part-time work.

2. Niche & Location-Specific Job Boards

• The Trafford Centre & Manchester Arndale: These retail giants have their own dedicated careers pages listing vacancies for almost every store under their roof. This is far more efficient than visiting each store’s website individually.
• Major Venues: Manchester is a city of events. The AO Arena, Old Trafford, and the Etihad Stadium frequently hire casual event staff for hospitality, stewarding, and retail. It’s a fun, flexible way to earn.

3. Online Job Boards (With Smart Filters)

Use keywords like “part-time,” “weekend,” and specific locations like “City Centre,” “Northern Quarter,” or “MediaCityUK.”

• Indeed & Totaljobs: Best for the sheer volume of retail and hospitality jobs.
• LinkedIn: Use the filter for “part-time” roles. Great for finding part-time administrative or junior roles related to your degree.

Part 2: The Best Types of Student Jobs in Manchester

Retail Powerhouses

Retail is king in Manchester. These roles offer flexible hours perfect for students.

• Where to look: Manchester Arndale in the city centre and the Trafford Centre. Supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Aldi are also huge employers.
• Skills you’ll gain: Customer service, cash handling, teamwork, and commercial awareness.

Hospitality Hotspots

From trendy cafes to bustling bars, Manchester’s hospitality scene is thriving.

• Where to look: The independent bars and restaurants of the Northern Quarter, the upscale venues in Spinningfields, and major chains around the universities.
• Perks: Tips can significantly boost your income, and the social aspect is a huge plus.

On-Campus Roles

The holy grail of student jobs. They are convenient, flexible, and the employers understand your student schedule.

• What to look for: Student Ambassador (a fantastic role for open days), Library Assistant, Students’ Union bar/cafe staff, or IT support.
• How to find them: These are almost exclusively advertised through your university’s career service portal (see Part 1).

Tutoring & The Gig Economy

Use your brain or your bike to earn on your own schedule.

• Tutoring: Advertise on local community boards or sites like Tutorful to help GCSE/A-Level students in your subject.
• Delivery: Services like Deliveroo, Just Eat, and Uber Eats are a dominant presence in Manchester, offering ultimate flexibility.

Part 3: How to Land the Job

• Tailor Your CV for the Role: For a bar job in the Northern Quarter, highlight your communication skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment. For a retail job at the Trafford Centre, focus on customer service experience (even if it’s from a university project). Learn how to craft an application that doesn’t just get seen—it gets you hired by clicking here.
• Be Proactive in Person: For independent shops and cafes in areas like the Northern Quarter or Chorlton, the old-fashioned approach works. Print your CV, dress smartly, and ask to speak to the manager.
• Mention Your Local Knowledge: Being a student in the city is an advantage. Mentioning you live locally and can be flexible with shifts is a huge plus for employers.
• Know Your Transport: Manchester is well-connected by the Metrolink tram system and buses. Before an interview, plan your route to show you’re reliable and can get to work on time, even for late shifts.

By targeting your search and tailoring your application, you’ll stand out from the crowd and find the perfect student job to support your Manchester adventure.