In these tough economic times, finding a part-time job can be a challenge. New graduates compete with students for whatever jobs are available.
“Ordinary” part-time jobs may be hard to find therefore job seekers must keep an open mind. The job market is certainly limited, so what is currently open on the Vancouver job scene? If you thought Vancouver only needs baristas and Lululemon sales associates, think again -- below are the top five strangest part-time job postings in Vancouver from this week:
1. Zombie
Play a zombie and get paid, what job could be better? Hundreds of people participate in zombie walks just for the sheer fun of it but at Zombie Combat Zone, you can play one nightly for a very fair salary. On August 18th, Surrey welcomes Canada’s first and only zombie themed-paintball park known as Zombie Combat Zone. Owner Ron McCall describes it as Tony and Tina’s wedding meets zombie apocalypse. Like interactive dinner theatre except you gets to shoot the actors.
Wage: $17/hr - $20/hr after 30 day
Duration: Thurs-Sat dusk till midnight
Calling all buff guys for Pride 2012! An experiential marketing agency is looking to hire athletic male models to promote a condom brand. Sorry short guys, there is a minimum height requirement of 5’10” to apply for this position. An excellent opportunity to experience Vancouver Pride festivities while making a little income.
Wage: $35/hr
Duration: Aug 3-5 for 23 hours
3. Ab model
Do you have solid abdomens and are looking to keep them that way? Join Productive Fitness this Saturday afternoon as they shoot a video to illustrating the abdometer, an ab training device. For the shoot you simply need to show off your sixpack while doing crunches. If you’re fit and comfortable on camera, you will be paid in fitness products to maintain your athletic physique.
Wage: One Abdometer ($89 value), $50 fitness products
Duration: July 27th 1-3pm
Remember being chased through a dark corridor at the fair’s haunted house? You can now be that guy! “Help us scare the wits out of our Fright Nights guests,” reads the overview for the PNE’s haunted attraction cast member position. Adorned in spooky gear, workers will role-play based on the scripts given and themes of the haunted house. Participants are required to rehearse and attend auditions. This is great opportunity for a drama student or graduate.
Wage: $10.48/hr
Duration: 6/hr shifts Oct. 15- Oct. 31
The title pretty much sums up the extent of this position. Hired workers are responsible for the setup and takedown of bouncy castles for various events. In addition, you would be responsible for child supervision while they played in the castle. If you have heaps of energy and are good with children, this job could be for you.
Wage: TBD
Duration: Upcoming events throughout the summer.
Some words of advice for job seekers
Whatever job opportunity comes your way, make sure to be prepared. With so many people chasing after the same jobs, presentation and first impressions are more important than ever. Even if you are applying to a temporary or part-time job, it’s important to write a relevant cover letter. Hiring managers receive numerous resumes so you need to quickly prove that the job overview was read thoroughly with a sharp cover letter. Always personally craft your cover letter because a template can be detected after reading the first sentence. Also, keep it concise. In this day and age, companies are flooded with resumes online so present yourself in attractive manner in as few sentences as possible.