CV for a Second Job (UK): How to Present Two Employers and Manage Availability

Taking a second job is increasingly common in the UK — rising living costs, flexible working patterns, and the gig economy have made dual employment the norm for many people. Your CV for a second job needs to communicate one thing above all others: that your availability is clear and reliable, and that your second employer will get exactly what they are hiring for.

What employers hiring for a second job need to know

Your availability: This is the single most important piece of information. Second-job employers need to know exactly when you can work — days, hours, total hours per week — without ambiguity.

Your current employment status: That you are already employed is not a negative. Many employers actively prefer candidates who are already working — it signals reliability. Be transparent about your main job.

That there are no conflicts: The employer needs to be confident that your second role will not interfere with their operation — through tiredness, conflicting shift patterns, or a restrictive clause in your primary employment contract.

How to handle your employment contract

Before applying for any second job, check your primary employment contract for:

Exclusivity clauses: Some contracts prohibit secondary employment entirely. If yours does, you may need to request permission from your primary employer or seek legal advice. The 2023 changes to exclusivity clauses in the UK mean that employers cannot enforce exclusivity clauses for workers earning below the Lower Earnings Limit — but higher-earning employees may still be bound.

Conflict of interest clauses: Working for a direct competitor is typically prohibited. Industry-adjacent or entirely unrelated second jobs are usually fine.

Working time: The Working Time Regulations 1998 cap working hours at an average of 48 hours per week across all employment. If your combined hours will approach this, note it — and consider whether it is sustainable.

Personal statement for a second job CV

Keep it brief and practical:

"Reliable and experienced retail associate seeking a part-time evening and weekend role to supplement my current full-time employment. Available Monday to Friday from 6pm and all day Saturday and Sunday — typically 12-16 hours per week. No contractual restrictions on secondary employment in my current position. Experienced in [relevant skills], punctual, and committed to delivering consistently across both roles."

Presenting your current job on the CV

List your primary job as you normally would — there is no need to signal its secondary nature. Your second-job employer is not hiring your primary employer's time; they are hiring your available hours.

Do:

• List current employer, role title, dates, and key responsibilities/achievements
• Note the nature of the role (full-time, part-time, permanent) if relevant to context

Do not:

• Explain why you need a second job
• Apologise for being employed elsewhere
• Omit your current role — it is evidence of your reliability

Availability: how to present it clearly

Include an availability section or state it clearly in your personal statement:

Availability: Monday–Friday 6pm–11pm; Saturday and Sunday all day. Maximum 15 hours per week. Flexible on shift patterns within these windows.

Or, for irregular availability:

Availability: Available for flexible shifts across evenings and weekends. Not available Wednesday evenings or Sunday mornings. Approximately 10-12 hours per week.

Be specific and honest. Vague availability is worse than limited availability — it forces the employer to clarify, and clarity delays your application.

Types of second job that work well alongside full-time employment

• Hospitality: Evening and weekend bar, restaurant, or café work — highly flexible shift patterns
• Retail: Evening and weekend floor staff — seasonal and permanent vacancies year-round
• Delivery: Courier and food delivery roles with fully flexible self-employed models
• Tutoring: Private tutoring in a subject area — hourly rates, fully flexible scheduling
• Cleaning: Commercial cleaning contracts often run early mornings or evenings
• Fitness: Personal training or fitness instructing on an hourly or sessional basis
• Care: Domiciliary care and care home roles with highly flexible bank or zero-hours contracts

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to tell my primary employer I am taking a second job?

Only if your contract requires it — check for notification or approval requirements. Many employment contracts simply prohibit competing employment or conflict of interest; they do not require disclosure of all secondary work. If in doubt, seek advice from ACAS or an employment law solicitor.

Can a second job affect my tax?

Yes — PAYE tax is applied on your primary job at standard personal allowance rates. Income from a second job is typically taxed at the basic rate (20%) without the personal allowance, as your allowance is allocated to your primary job. Inform HMRC of your second employment and check that the correct tax code is applied.

What if my second-job employer asks why I am looking for a second job?

Answer honestly and briefly: rising costs, saving for a specific goal, or a desire to keep busy. There is no stigma — dual employment is common and understood.