When you are writing your resume one of the common questions is how to list part-time work. Do employers care how many hours you worked each week. Does part-time experience count the same as full-time. And what even qualifies as part-time in 2025.
The good news is that part-time work can be just as valuable as full-time experience. The key is knowing how to explain it clearly on your resume so hiring managers understand your skills and commitment.
What Counts as Part-Time in 2025
In 2025 the definition of part-time can vary depending on the company and the country. However there are some general guidelines most employers follow.
- Full-time work is usually considered around 35 to 40 hours per week
- Part-time work is anything less than that often between 15 and 30 hours per week
- Some companies may set their own standards for part-time especially in industries like retail food service and remote freelance work
So if you were working 20 hours a week at a retail job while in school or 25 hours a week as a freelance assistant both would be seen as part-time roles.
Why Employers Care About Hours
You might wonder why hours even matter. The truth is employers are not only looking at how many hours you worked but also at how you balanced responsibilities and what you achieved during that time.
Think about it this way. Someone working 20 hours a week in a high pressure environment who handles customer service issues or meets strict deadlines shows the same valuable skills as a full-time employee.
So yes your hours matter but what really matters is how you use them.
How to List Part-Time Jobs on a Resume
If you have part-time work experience here are simple tips to make it shine on your resume
- Include your job title company and dates just like you would for any full-time job
- Add hours if relevant for example Part-Time Sales Associate 20 hrs per week
- Highlight skills and results not just tasks for example Assisted 50 plus customers per shift or Increased monthly sales by 15 percent
- Show balance if you worked while in school or managed multiple part-time jobs at once employers may see this as strong time management
Do Part-Time Jobs Look Bad on a Resume
Not at all. Many people worry that part-time jobs make them look less serious or committed but in reality hiring managers know life is not always a straight path.
In fact part-time roles can show flexibility dedication and strong work ethic. For example if you worked part-time during college it shows you can juggle school and work responsibilities. If you picked up part-time jobs while job hunting it shows initiative and drive.
The important thing is to explain what you learned and accomplished during that time.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When listing part-time work there are a few pitfalls to watch out for.
- Not labeling part-time clearly If a job was part-time and you list it without saying so it may raise questions
- Focusing only on tasks Saying Stocked shelves does not tell much Instead say Organized inventory system to reduce errors
- Leaving out achievements Even small wins count for example Cut wait times by 10 minutes per shift or Trained two new employees
Why Part-Time Can Be an Advantage
Part-time work often comes with variety. You might handle customer service one day stock shelves the next and manage sales in between. This gives you a wide range of skills that can be applied to future jobs.
In 2025 with remote work and side hustles becoming more common employers respect candidates who use part-time jobs to gain valuable experience. So do not underestimate the power of your part-time background.
Quick Tips for Your Resume
- Always be clear if a role was part-time
- Highlight transferable skills such as communication teamwork or time management
- Use numbers or results to show impact
- Do not feel embarrassed about fewer hours employers care more about your contributions
FAQs
1. Do I need to include the exact hours I worked per week on my resume
Not always. It is optional. You can add it if you think it helps clarify the role but the focus should always be on your skills and achievements.
2. Will employers take part-time jobs as seriously as full-time roles
Yes especially if you highlight the value you brought to the position. Employers are more interested in what you achieved than the number of hours.
3. Should I list every part-time job I ever had
No. Only list the ones that are relevant to the job you are applying for or that showcase important skills.
