Looking for a Student Job in Edinburgh? Here's What Actually Worked for Me

I still get a slight case of retail PTSD every time I walk along the Royal Mile. I genuinely thought I'd be working there until I graduated. But after 50 years of running the shop, my bosses decided to retire.

Like most students, I started by looking online for a job. Like most students, I quickly discovered that half the listings seemed outdated, already filled, or designed purely to test my resilience. So armed with 10 freshly printed CVs, I went to try my luck in person. Some weren't hiring, others told me to send an email. A few wouldn't even accept a CV in person. Some managers seemed interested, but none of the opportunities felt quite right. Then, as I continued up the mile, I spotted someone I recognised from church working in a gift shop. There wasn't a sign saying they were hiring, but I decided to ask anyway.

We had a quick chat, and he called his boss to let him know I was looking for work. His boss came out and asked if I had a CV. I gave it to him, and he disappeared into the office with someone who I later discovered was his wife. A few minutes later, he came back outside and started chatting with me. During that conversation, I completely failed the maths question he asked me. To this day, I will defend the fact it was a ridiculous question with numbers and decimals that made no sense. Fortunately, he did laugh at one of my terrible jokes, which probably helped me recover from it. After another discussion with his wife and my friend, he came back out and asked whether I would be interested in returning the next day for a trial week. Apparently, my friend had told him that I worked hard and was good at staying calm under pressure.

I worked there for three years. My sister also joined the team and worked there for nearly two years. My employers were incredibly supportive and kept us on throughout school and university, offering weekend shifts and extra hours whenever they needed help.

Looking back, I gained far more than a payslip. I learned how to manage stock, organise deliveries, handle difficult customers, solve problems quickly, and communicate with people from all over the world. More importantly, I became far more confident speaking to people I had never met before.

There are a number of things I learned applying to jobs in person in town which I would love to share:

• Talk to a manager if possible. If you're handing in a CV, try to introduce yourself to someone involved in hiring. A friendly face is often more memorable than another online application.

• Follow up by email. If you leave a CV, send a short email a day or two later thanking them for their time and expressing your interest. It demonstrates initiative and reminds them who you are.

• Dress smart-casual. You don't need a suit to apply for a retail position, but first impressions matter. Clean, tidy clothing that looks put together is usually the safest choice.

• Remember that customer service starts before you're hired. Many employers are looking for people who are approachable, friendly, and confident. Smile, speak clearly, and be polite. Your CV matters, but so does the impression you leave.

• Protect your reputation. Edinburgh can be surprisingly small. People move between businesses, managers know each other, and recommendations travel quickly. A good reputation can open doors long after you've left a job.

• Research the business. Even if it's "just a gift shop", spend a few minutes learning about the company. Some businesses own multiple stores, hotels, restaurants, or attractions, and employers appreciate applicants who have done their homework.

Once you are hired, here are some questions you SHOULD BE READY TO ANSWER, as you'll quickly become an unofficial tourist information desk:

• Where are the nearest public toilets?

• Which way is Edinburgh Castle?

• Where can I see a wild haggis? The answer to the haggis question remains one of Edinburgh's greatest mysteries.

• Do you sell castle tickets?

• If I buy one more, can I get a discount?

If you are looking for one more reason to apply, what never disappoints is the people. As the Fringe approaches, Edinburgh transforms. Visitors arrive from every corner of the world, bringing different languages, cultures, performances, and stories. The city buzzes with an energy that is difficult to describe but impossible to miss. There is a sense of creativity and appreciation for life, art, and community that makes even the busiest shifts memorable.

Working in Edinburgh during the summer isn't always easy. The crowds are bigger, buses are slower, and getting through the city centre can sometimes feel like an Olympic sport. But you'll meet fascinating people, develop skills you didn't know you had, and probably collect a few ridiculous stories along the way. And who knows? Maybe next year you'll be the one performing at the Fringe instead of giving directions to it.