How These Job Seekers Finally Landed Their First Positions Against All Odds

Trying to find your first job right now can be a struggle. There is a lack of opportunities to gain experience and the huge number of AI applications can mean neither you nor the employer can find what you’re looking for. Yet plenty of people are finding ways to stand out and get their feet on the career ladder. Four individuals, who had been stuck in the cycle of sending hundreds of applications and rarely hearing back, have shared the one thing they did differently to secure their first jobs.

Take Theresa Blair, for instance. The 24-year-old from Birmingham graduated from Aston University in 2025 with a pharmacy master’s degree. After a project management placement, she realized she wanted to pursue a career in that field. For eight grueling months, she sent off hundreds of job applications, often left in silence. “I realised I was sending very generic CVs to recruiters and that was making it harder to stand out from other applicants,” she reflects. So, she switched gears. Instead of the one-size-fits-all approach, she began tailoring her CV for each job, diving deep into each company’s values and weaving 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 advises. The result? She applied for fewer jobs but spent more time on each application, leading her to a full-time position at a bank’s customer service call center. Now, she’s commuting to London three days a week as a project manager. “It’s 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 adds. Her mantra for others still looking? “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.”

Then there’s Callum Stevens, a 24-year-old from Curry Rivel in Somerset. He studied computer science at the University of the West of England (UWE) but developed a keen interest in transport. Rather than just waiting for opportunities, he took initiative and reached out on LinkedIn to someone doing a transport planning internship at Bristol City Council. When the internship opened up again, he pounced on it and was successful. “I had no previous experience in transport planning but I believe I got the role because I demonstrated I was interested and passionate to learn,” he says. Though the internship is full-time and pays minimum wage, ending in August, Callum views it as invaluable experience, equating it to the power of his university degree. His advice for others? Don’t underestimate the importance of internships, even if they’re temporary.

Joshua Hopkins, at 26, is another one to note. He started a business and marketing degree in Belgium but later switched to an apprenticeship at a law firm. Halfway through a three-year Chartered Institute of Management Accountants course, he’s gearing up to qualify as a chartered accountant. In between jobs, Joshua took on a role on a housing association board, which he believes showcases how young people can offer fresh perspectives. “Young people can bring a fresh perspective, ask the questions others overlook and add real value even without a mountain of experience,” he explains. His key takeaway? Seize any opportunity that helps you shine. “You should reach out to people you admire, get involved in a cause you care about or build skills through short courses. A lot of progress comes from simply being proactive.”

Clover Nelson, just 20 years old from Leeds, found his way back into the job market after three years of unemployment. “I was on job sites and doing what I could to find work, and nine times out of ten, I didn’t get a reply back,” he admits. So, he decided to change his strategy, opting to speak to managers in person rather than just sending online applications. That approach landed him a job in retail. “Start looking for things in shop windows; there is no human element when applying online and it can make all the difference,” he says.

Katherine Leopold, Faculty Employability Lead Tutor at Greenwich Business School, has shared her own tips on how to navigate the job application maze. Meanwhile, Jess McGhee has expressed her delight at securing work after sharpening her skills at a youth employment hub, even as the charity behind it faces “an exceptionally challenging trading environment.”

Looking ahead, could personalized early intervention help prevent under-16s from falling into the Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET) trap? It’s a burning question as more and more young people strive to find their footing in a challenging job market.

Kaynak: Orijinal Haber