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Working student: keeping up the pace and boosting your CV

Published on October 10, 2026 · 5 min read

Paying rent, groceries and sometimes tuition fees: for many students, working is not a choice, it is a necessity.

But working and studying at the same time takes energy.
Yet, if well managed, this double life can become a real asset.
In this article, you will discover the difficulties to anticipate, why a student job matters for your CV, and the solutions to keep going.

1. The difficulties and obstacles

Lucas is studying for a bachelor's degree in economics.
He works 20 hours a week in a supermarket.
In the evening, he is too tired to revise.
In January, his grades start to drop.

A very common situation

You are not alone in this situation.
According to the 2020 Living Conditions survey by France's National Observatory of Student Life (OVE), 40% of students work during the academic year.
For two thirds of them, it is first of all a choice: gaining independence.
For the others, it is a financial necessity.

The first obstacle: time

Working hours are added to class hours.
That leaves less time to revise, rest and see family and friends.
Schedules can be difficult: evenings, weekends, changing rotas.

The second obstacle: fatigue and stress

Fatigue builds up week after week.
According to a 2016 OVE survey, the job is a source of stress for 52% of students whose work strongly competes with their studies.

The third obstacle: academic success

Not all jobs weigh the same.
Several studies show that beyond about 16 hours a week, work clearly reduces the chances of success.
According to the OVE, 8% of students have a job that directly competes with their studies.
It is usually a job unrelated to their course, half-time or more.

A specific obstacle: international students

If you are an international student with a "student" residence permit, your working time is limited.
According to service-public.fr, you can work a maximum of 964 hours a year.
That represents 60% of the legal working time.
If you exceed this limit, you risk having your residence permit withdrawn.
Different rules apply to some nationalities: check your situation on service-public.fr.

2. A student job, a real asset for your CV

What recruiters see

Many students do not dare to put their job on their CV.
That is a mistake.
Recruiters see valuable qualities in it:

• reliability: you respect schedules and commitments;
• organisation: you manage two activities at the same time;
• customer service skills: you have dealt with customers or colleagues;
• resilience under pressure: you have kept up the pace.

How to present it on your CV

1. Put it under "Professional experience", even if it is not related to your studies.
2. State the position, the company, the city and the dates.
3. Describe your tasks with action verbs: welcome, advise, handle payments, organise.
4. Add a figure if possible: number of customers per day, cash handled.
5. Mention the pace: for example "15 hours a week alongside my bachelor's degree".

This last detail shows your organisational skills.
To lay out this information, use our free CV builder.

How to talk about it in an interview

Do not apologise for having worked.
Simply explain what you learned.
For example: "I learned to manage my time and stay calm with customers."
You can also mention it in your cover letter.

3. Solutions to keep up the pace

Limit your hours

If you can, stay under about 15 hours a week during the academic year.
Concentrate longer hours during the holidays.

Choose a job compatible with your studies

• A job related to your course: it strengthens your CV and your skills.
• A job on campus: some universities and the Crous (France's student services) hire students.
• Stable hours: they make it easier to plan your revision.

Ask for a special study arrangement

Your university can grant you a special study arrangement (régime spécial d'études, RSE).
According to etudiant.gouv.fr, it can include an exemption from attending certain classes.
It can also replace continuous assessment with a final exam.
Conditions vary between institutions, especially the number of working hours required.
Apply early to your student administration office, with your employment contract.

Organise your week

1. Write down in a diary your classes, working hours and revision slots.
2. Plan short, regular revision sessions, rather than long sessions just before exams.
3. Tell your employer your exam dates in advance.
4. Keep at least one rest period a week.

Listen to the warning signs

Constant fatigue, falling grades, repeated absences: these are signs to take seriously.
Talk to your academic adviser or your institution's student health service.
It is better to reduce your hours than to lose your year.

Conclusion: a double pace that can be prepared

Working while studying is hard, but it is often necessary.
With limited hours, a well-chosen job and an organised week, you can succeed at both.
And your job is not something to hide.
Presented well on your CV, it proves your seriousness, organisation and courage.
These are exactly the qualities recruiters look for.

Sources

• Why 40% of students have a job alongside their studies (L'Étudiant, based on the OVE)
• OVE 2016 survey: students' psychological vulnerabilities have increased (L'Étudiant)
• OVE, Student Living Conditions 2020: paid work
• Etudiant.gouv.fr, Being a working student
• Service-public.fr, Can an international student work during their studies?