Challenges in Securing a First Job
Finding a first job can be a significant challenge. Limited opportunities to gain experience combined with the influx of AI-driven applications often make it difficult for both applicants and employers to connect effectively.
Despite these obstacles, many individuals have discovered strategies to distinguish themselves and successfully enter the workforce.
Four individuals who had been caught in the cycle of submitting hundreds of applications with little response have shared the key approach that helped them secure their first employment.
1. Tailor your CV to the job description
Theresa Blair, 24, from Birmingham, graduated from Aston University in 2025 with a master's degree in pharmacy. After completing a project management placement, she decided to pursue a career in project management.
She spent eight months sending out numerous job applications but often received no replies.
"I realised I was sending very generic CVs to recruiters and that was making it harder to stand out from other applicants,"
she explains.
Theresa began customizing her CV for each job, researching each company's values and incorporating them into her applications.
"I've learnt that you should state the skills you've gained because of doing certain roles and explain how that makes you a suitable candidate,"
she adds.
She reduced the number of applications but dedicated more time to each, emphasizing that
"The less generic the better,"was her approach.
Theresa secured a full-time position in a bank customer service call centre. She now works as a project manager, commuting three days a week to London.
"It's a two to three hour commute which can be difficult but I'm gaining valuable experience at a reputable company, so I'm incredibly happy,"
she says.
Her advice to others struggling to find their first job is to persist.
"As hard as it is, keep applying. The job market isn't easy right now but believe the work you've put in will be seen by employers,"
she said.
2. Contact people doing the role you want
Callum Stevens, 24, from Curry Rivel in Somerset, studied computer science at the University of the West of England (UWE) and developed an interest in transport.
He reached out via LinkedIn to an individual undertaking a transport planning internship at Bristol City Council. When the internship opportunity arose again, Callum applied and was successful.
Although he had no prior experience in transport planning, he believes his demonstrated enthusiasm and willingness to learn were decisive factors.
The internship is full-time, pays minimum wage, and is scheduled to end in August. There may be a possibility of extension, but Callum is already beginning his search for a full-time position.
"While it's not permanent, the experience has been invaluable. It's as powerful as my university degree,"
he states.
His recommendation for those seeking internships is not to undervalue temporary roles.
"You should not underestimate how useful it is to do an internship just because it's temporary,"
he advises.
3. Take on roles outside of work
Joshua Hopkins, 26, from Glasgow, initially started a business and marketing degree in Belgium but later switched to an apprenticeship.
He currently works at a law firm and is midway through a three-year Chartered Institute of Management Accountants course to qualify as a chartered accountant.
Between his previous and current jobs, Joshua served on a housing association board.
He believes this experience allowed him to demonstrate to potential employers that young people can offer fresh perspectives, ask overlooked questions, and add significant value even without extensive experience.
His advice is to seize any opportunity that differentiates you from other candidates.
"You should be reaching out to people you admire, getting involved in a cause you care about or building skills through short courses. A lot of progress comes from simply being proactive,"
he says.
4. Apply in person instead of online
Clover Nelson, 20, from Leeds, secured a retail job after three years of unemployment.
He explains that despite applying on job sites, he rarely received responses.
"I was on job sites and doing what I could to find work and nine times out of 10 I didn't get a reply back,"
he says.
Clover changed his approach by visiting stores in person to speak directly with managers rather than submitting online applications, which he credits for landing the job.
"Start looking for things in shop windows, there is no human element when applying online and it can make all the difference,"
he advises.
Expert tips on how to apply for a job
Katherine Leopold, Faculty Employability Lead Tutor at Greenwich Business School, has shared her top recommendations for applying to roles.
Additional reporting contributed by Kris Bramwell, Andree Massiah, and Rozina Sini.
