Struggling to land your first role? CAP’s recruitment expert, Steve, shares proven tips, strategies and insider advice to help you get your first job.
Finding your first job is an exciting step towards independence, but knowing where to start can feel a little overwhelming. Whether you’re finishing school, college, university or are ready to take your first steps into the world of work, there’s a lot to think about – from writing your first CV to preparing interviews.
The good news is that you don’t need years of experience to get started. Everyone has to begin somewhere, and skills you’ve already developed through education, hobbies, volunteering or helping others can all help you stand out to an employer.
To help you find your first job with confidence, we’ve put together some handy tips to help you know yourself, market yourself and sell yourself.
1. Know yourself – understand your strengths and believe in what you have to offer
Before applying for jobs, spend some time thinking about what you’re good at and what you enjoy. You might have developed useful skills through school projects, playing sports, being part of a club or volunteering. Think about the times you’ve shown initiative, worked as part of a team or taken responsibility.
CAP Job Club Manager, Steve, shares his insights:
You might not have much work experience, but you have plenty to offer. Reliability, enthusiasm, a willingness to learn and a positive attitude can be just as important to an employer as previous experience.
2. Market yourself – prepare a CV that gets an employer interested
Your CV is your chance to make a great first impression. Keep it clear, easy to read and relevant to the role you’re applying for. Make sure your contact details are up to date, check for spelling and grammar errors and use the job description to help you understand what the employer is looking for.
Steve shares his advice:
A CV doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to show an employer who you are and what you can offer. Think about school achievements, volunteering, hobbies, responsibilities and any experience that demonstrates your skills.
Looking for in-depth CV help?
Find helpful tips how to write a student CV (with examples)3. Find free help to get your first job – you don’t have to navigate it alone
Did you know that there are free, welcoming job clubs you can join to get practical help and the tools you need to land your first job? It’s a great place to meet other people in your area while building the skills, confidence and support to kickstart a career you’ll love.
Starting your job hunt can feel overwhelming on your own, but joining a job club means you don’t have to figure it out by yourself as you’ll be taking those first steps alongside people in the same boat.
Ready to get your first job? Simply enter your postcode below to find a free job club near you.
Find your local Job club
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4. Sell yourself – use the interview to show why you’re the right person
Getting an interview is a great achievement. Before you go, research the organisation, think about why you’d like to work there and prepare some examples that demonstrate your skills. Practising your answers with someone beforehand can also help you settle your nerves.
Steve shares some helpful advice:
Talk to people, ask questions and let others know you’re looking for work. Opportunities often come through conversations and personal recommendations, so don’t underestimate the value of making connections.
CAP top tip!
You can also set up a free LinkedIn account to find job listings and connect with managers in the industries you’re interested in. You might also find some free resources to help you upskill.
5. Keep moving forward – set targets and use stepping stones to reach your destination.
Finding your first job might take time, so try breaking your search into smaller, manageable steps. You could set aside time each week to look for vacancies, complete applications or research different career options. Celebrate the little milestones along the way, too. Steve shares a helpful reminder:
Your first job doesn’t have to be your dream job. It is an opportunity to learn, develop skills, gain confidence and discover what you enjoy. Every job can be a stepping stone towards something else.
Not every application will be successful, and that’s okay. Steve shares more helpful advice:
Rejection is disappointing, but don’t allow it to define you. Sometimes there are many applicants for one position, and not being successful doesn’t mean you aren’t good enough. Learn what you can, make improvements and keep going.
A final word of advice
We asked Job Club Manager, Steve, what his biggest piece of advice would be for someone like you looking for your first job:
My biggest piece of advice would be simple: don’t give up on yourself. Someone will give you that first opportunity, and when they do, make the most of it.
