Finding your first job

Looking for your first job can be quite a worrying experience, whether you’re taking your time to search for the perfect opportunity or whether you just want to start working and earning as soon as possible. However, there’s lots of help available, so don’t panic! If you’re under 19 (or under 25, if you have learning difficulties or disabilities) you can get help from Advisors and your nearest Early Intervention Hub.

Looking for vacancies

The first step in most job searches is to start looking for vacancies. You can search on this website for opportunities that are particularly suitable for younger jobseekers.

• Search for jobs and opportunities online

Apprenticeships are a great way to earn as you learn. All apprenticeships must by law be listed on the Apprentice vacancy Matching Service website, where you can can register, search for apprenticeships and apply online.

• Apprenticeship Vacancy Matching Service

You can search for Job Opportunities online via Job Centre+ online search.

• Jobseekers search

There are lots of other places to look for jobs online and in your local area. You can find out more at your local Job Club, but here are some suggestions to get started:

• local newspapers, magazines and websites
• shop windows, particularly in your High Street
• local noticeboards
• Job Clubs and Centres.

• asking friends and relatives
• looking on the websites of local companies and organisations for jobs, training courses, work placements or even volunteering.

Job-seeking skills

To be successful in your job search you will need to show that you have the necessary skills (or at least a willingness to learn them). You can talk to an adviser or download these worksheets:

Clicking on these links will open worksheets on each topic. 

• Finding Job Vacancies
• Telephoning about a job
• Applying in Writing
• Writing a covering letter
• Some example CVs
• Filling in Application forms
• Practice Application form
• Going for an interview
• Taking selection tests
• Getting training

There are also some simpler worksheets for younger job-seekers 

• Writing a c.v.

• Filling out application forms

• Attending interviews

• Telephoning about a job

• Writing a covering letter

General job-seeking sites

A few free sites to get you started

www.icould.com - Inspirational videos, engaging

growingambitions.tes.co.uk - Growing ambitions (previously Jobs 4 U)

www.bbc.co.uk/schools/studentlife/careersandchoices - Lots of links

How I found my job’

I started looking for a part-time job by walking around the town centre and enquire in different shops if there were any vacancies. One shop gave me an application form and I filled it with a lot of detail as I thought it was a good way to stand out from other applicants. I was given an interview shortly afterwards. I dressed smartly and brought a notebook which had a few questions in it – for example, the pay and the uniform. I also brought my Record of Achievement because I could show them certificates and photos from my hobbies. I tried to be confident and not give one-word answers or look at the interviewer, not the floor. A week later, I was offered the job

Hannah, 16, Witney