For many students, part-time jobs are necessary to help pay for expenses.

According to an April report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 42.1 percent of college students who graduated high school in 2009 either had or were looking for jobs.

For some students, however, finding a part-time job may be a challenge.

Emily Wilber, assistant director of Career Services at the U. Nebraska-Lincoln, said the economic downturn’s lingering effect causes a more difficult job search for some.

“Just like in any other sector, there’s been a dip,” she said. “The job search is more competitive both on and off campus.”

For students looking for work, Career Services offers a variety of resources.

“The primary resource to look at is the website,” she said.

The Career Services website offers listings for jobs both on and off-campus, including descriptions of jobs and information on how to apply.

Wilber said students should take opportunities to make themselves more competitive in the job market.

“One thing to do for any job search is to participate in activities on campus and take on leadership roles,” she said. She also said that students should go to Career Services for help on resumes, writing cover letters and interviewing. She said more employers are now asking for resumes, even for part-time jobs.

Wilber recommended that in addition to looking at the Career Services job listings, students consider businesses or organizations relevant to their interests.

“You can’t blanket the whole city in applications,” she said. Instead, she recommended that students consider their career goals and experience when targeting employers.

Ian Bargar, a senior biosystems engineering major, has a part-time job at UNL’s Engineering Library. He checks books out, shelves books, fills out inter-library loan requests and helps patrons. He chose his job because it was related to his field of study.

“Since I’m in the Engineering College, having a job at the Engineering Library made sense,” he said. “It’s convenient.”

Bargar also said that he appreciates having time to do homework while he’s at work and that his schedule is flexible.

“So long as I tell the supervisor ahead of time, it’s OK,” he said.

Wilber recommended that students make clear to employers that they may need time off during finals week, fall break and other vacations.

“Most employers, even off-campus, try to be as flexible as they can,” Wilber said. “One benefit of our website listings is that those employers are looking for college students.”

This, she said, often makes them more likely to accommodate a college student’s schedule.