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Entering the job market after graduating can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially when you just finished college and so many roles ask for experience you haven’t had the chance to gain yet. It’s a classic Catch-22: to get a job, you need experience, but to get experience, you need a job. So it’s completely normal to ask yourself, “How am I meant to land my first job if I’ve never had one before?” The good news is, you’re not alone, and with the right approach to the application process, you can get that first role. Just remember: each application you send is a step closer. Always keep going and don’t be discouraged by rejections.
In this guide, we cover:
How to find opportunities when starting out
How to apply when you don’t have experience or a uni degree
What skills to include in your CV as a first-time jobseeker
How to get your first job in retail, hospitality, finance and others
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Figure out what jobs are right for you
Your first job search can be a challenging part of your career journey, but a bit of preparation goes a long way. Before sending out applications, we recommend taking time to understand how the UK job market works, what positions are available in your field or areas of interest, and what the best approach is for each one. Understanding what employers are looking for really can help you tailor each application more strategically.
Where to start?
Check out job platforms like GetYourFirstJob, LinkedIn, Indeed, TotalJobs, or local employers’ career pages.
Explore what kinds of entry-level positions are suitable for beginners. In the UK, these often include trainee roles, junior or assistant positions, apprenticeships, customer service or retail jobs and administrative support roles.
Look at the typical requirements (hard and soft skills, education, tools and software knowledge).
Search for recurring keywords in job descriptions like “no experience required”, “training provided”, “entry-level”. These are the most accessible options.
Consider reaching out directly to hiring managers, team leads, or other relevant contacts who may be looking to grow their team. You’ve got nothing to lose by asking, just be genuine, express your interest clearly, and keep your message authentic.
Pro Tip
Focus your efforts on roles that truly match your interests and strengths. Even if a listing asks for 1-2 years of experience, know that many companies are open to training promising candidates. So, just be prepared to demonstrate your potential.
Focus on transferable and soft skills
Even if you haven’t had a formal job yet, you may still have valuable experience from school projects, extracurricular activities, volunteering, or informal work like babysitting. Look for ways to match these experiences to the job description. For example, if a role highlights teamwork or communication, think of times when you demonstrated those skills in real-life situations.
To have a better overview of which are the most important transferable qualities, consider adding these skills to your CV:
Recommended skills to include in your CV
See our undergraduate CV example to learn more.
Customise each application with a job-specific CV and cover letter
Submitting the same generic CV, cover letter or form answers to multiple jobs rarely works. Employers can spot these copy-paste applications instantly. Instead, keep these tips in mind:
Create a master CV, an all-inclusive document with your skills, achievements, experience and education, and use it as a foundation to create additional CVs, specific to the jobs you’re applying for.
Tailor your cover letter to each job, highlighting how your background fits the specific role and company.
Use the job description as a guide or a checklist: echo their language and address the key responsibilities or values they mention.
Make your application ATS-friendly: Use clear section headings, avoid complex formatting or graphics, and include keywords from the job listing to increase the chances of passing through automated filters.
Ensure your tone, style, and messaging are aligned across your CV, cover letter, and online profiles. Employers may cross-reference them to measure professionalism and authenticity.
Pro Tip
If there's no cover letter required, send it anyway to stand out from other candidates, or use the "Why do you want this role?" field as your opportunity to make a personal case.
If you don’t know where to start, check out our step-by-step guide on how to write a CV with no experience in 2025.
Think about apprenticeships
If you're exploring pathways into work, apprenticeships in the UK remain a powerful option in 2025, especially for those looking to gain hands-on experience, earn while they learn, and secure recognised qualifications. These structured schemes combine paid employment with formal training, making them ideal if you:
Have recently finished school, college, or A-levels
Want to gain industry-relevant qualifications
Are looking to enter fields like digital tech, construction, engineering, healthcare, finance, green energy, or social care
Prefer a practical, learn-by-doing route over full-time university study.
Where to search for these opportunities to get your first job:
The official government portal: www.apprenticeships.gov.uk
Job sites like Not Going to Uni
Career pages of large employers (e.g., NHS, BT, BAE Systems, or PwC).
Reach out to people you know
Your first job may not be exactly your dream job, but it can offer a valuable experience for your future self. That’s why connecting with peers and expanding your social circle can be really helpful in finding these kinds of opportunities. What do we recommend?
Start by reaching out to your family, friends, tutors, and colleagues. Even a casual conversation might lead to “a friend of a friend” who’s hiring.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or favours. It might feel awkward, but most people are happy to support someone taking initiative. A personal recommendation or referral can make a huge difference because employers are more likely to interview someone they’ve heard about through a trusted connection.
Use LinkedIn effectively: If you don’t already have a LinkedIn profile, now is the time to create one. Follow companies you’re interested in, comment on relevant posts, and connect with professionals in your field. Even a short message like “I’m looking to get into XYZ industry and would love any advice you can offer” can spark a useful conversation.
Look for job fairs, employer open days or free training sessions in your area. Sites like Eventbrite, MeetUp, and even local councils often list upcoming networking opportunities. You can also explore sector-specific communities, such as Tech UK, Creative Access, or Future Frontiers.
Pro Tip
If someone offers advice, a contact, or a potential lead, send a quick thank-you message or email after. Building lasting professional relationships is about staying respectful, grateful, and visible.
Apply selectively, not randomly
It can be tempting to send hundreds of applications, but remember that quality matters more than quantity. In these cases, the best thing you can do is submit a few strong applications each week, each tailored to the role and employer. This means carefully reading the job description, customising your CV and cover letter, and highlighting how your experience matches what the employer is looking for. It’s far better to send five strong, targeted applications than 50 generic ones.
Pro Tip
Watch out for scams! In the last few years, there's been a rise in fake job adverts on social media and unverified platforms. Always double-check the employer’s website and never pay for a job application.
3 tips for after you’ve applied
1. Keep a record of your applications
This prevents mistakes like applying twice to the same job or answering a call without knowing who’s on the other end. A clear record not only helps you stay organised but also ensures you’re ready when employers get in touch. Use a spreadsheet, document, or notebook to log key details such as the job title and company, date you applied, any interviews or follow-up dates.
Pro Tip
Include a column for job preferences (salary, commute time, interest level) to help you prioritise and reflect on what roles are the best fit as you progress.
For more expert advice, here is an article with 7 tips on how to track job applications.
2. Follow up, but do it right
If it’s been 7-14 days since you applied and the job listing is still live, a polite, professional follow-up can help move your application to the top of the pile.
Your message should be short and to the point, ideally 3-4 sentences.
Let them know you’re still very interested in the position and the company.
Briefly restate how your skills align with the role.
Mention any updates. If you’ve completed new training, gained relevant experience, or received a certificate since applying, include that briefly.
3. Be prepared for a quick response
Some employers, especially in retail, care, or hospitality, move quickly and may invite you to interview on short notice. Make sure you are ready and follow these tips to succeed:
Have a short personal introduction prepared
Be familiar with the job description
Practise your responses
Choose a great interview outfit, even if the interview is casual or online.
You should also have questions ready to ask the employer, like, “What are your expectations for me in this role during the first month?” and “How does the company encourage collaboration among team members?”. These can help you better understand the role, team dynamics, and whether the company culture is the right fit for you.
Pro Tip
Waiting to hear back from job applications can be frustrating, but it’s also a valuable window of time you can use to strengthen your CV. Gaining relevant experience, even in small ways, can give you real examples to draw on in interviews, help you build skills, and show employers that you’ve made productive use of your time. It all counts!
How to get your first retail or hospitality job
Whether you're fresh out of college or don’t have a university degree, starting a career in retail or hospitality can be an excellent way to enter the workforce. These industries offer valuable opportunities to build skills that will enhance your CV and set a strong foundation for future career growth. How to do so? Check out these tips:
1. Create an ATS-friendly CV and cover letter
Ensure your retail or hospitality CV is ATS-friendly and highlights relevant keywords and soft skills such as communication, teamwork, punctuality, problem-solving, adaptability, time management, critical thinking, and work ethic. To stand out further, include a cover letter and mention what attracts you to that specific industry, and why you'd be a good fit based on your personality and transferable skills.
For more tips, check out our retail and hospitality cover letter examples.
Pro Tip
These jobs often require staff who can work evenings, weekends, and public holidays. If you're available during these times, make it clear on your CV and when speaking to hiring managers.
2. Try applying in person when possible
Many local retailers or businesses still accept walk-in applications. Visit the store during a quiet time (typically weekday mornings), ask to speak to the manager, and express your interest politely. It is advisable to bring a printed copy of your CV.
3. Prepare for typical interview questions
In retail and hospitality, there are some common interview questions that you may encounter frequently, especially if you apply to big companies like TK Maxx or Marks & Spencer, which have an organised recruitment process. These may include "Why do you want to work in XYZ company?", “How would you deal with a difficult customer?", and “What can you bring to the team?”.
4. Consider seasonal work
For those seeking short-term employment, or students and graduates who want to earn extra cash during the break, seasonal jobs around Christmas or summer sales can be a great way to get your foot in the door. They often lead to permanent positions if you perform well and show commitment, so stay alert to these opportunities to continue advancing in those fields.
How to get your first job in finance
The finance sector is full of exciting opportunities, and building a strong technical foundation is the first step toward success. If you’re just starting out, here’s how you can land your first role:
1. Explore entry-level roles
If you don’t have a university degree, cashier positions at banks are a great way to gain initial experience and understand the basics of the industry. These roles often require less specialised knowledge, making them more accessible to newcomers.
Additionally, you can also consider opportunities at major financial institutions, such as the Big Four, which are always seeking skilled professionals like Financial Analysts to join their teams.
2. Go to career fairs and graduate events
Many UK banks, accounting firms, and consultancies attend university and regional career events. Stay actively involved, because many institutions share exclusive job opportunities with their alumni that may not be advertised elsewhere.
3. Show interest in business and markets
Employers in this field really value commercial awareness. Always try to be well-informed, read the financial news, and be ready to discuss current events affecting the economy.
4. Reach out to peers from the industry
Build connections with professionals on LinkedIn, join alumni groups, engage with industry experts at master’s workshops, and seek out mentors who can guide your career growth.
How to get your first job in marketing
If you've recently graduated in Marketing or a related field, breaking into the industry can be more manageable by starting with internships or apprenticeships. While prior experience isn’t always necessary, having a foundation of technical knowledge is important. Alongside these suggestions, here are additional tips to help you ace your first job application:
1. Create a portfolio
Customise your marketing CV and include projects, achievements, and relevant skills (e.g. content writing, analytics, SEO, social media). But more importantly, build a strong portfolio. Even if you haven’t had formal experience, you can create sample work. Start a blog, run social media accounts, or produce mock campaigns to demonstrate your creativity and understanding of marketing principles.
2. Gain online certifications
Free or low-cost certifications (e.g. Google Digital Garage, HubSpot Academy, CIM introductory courses) can help show your commitment and basic knowledge of the field.
3. Try freelancing
Offer to manage social media or assist with marketing tasks for local charities, small businesses, or university societies. This can provide you with real-world experience and testimonials.
4. Stay updated on trends
Read marketing blogs, listen to industry podcasts, and follow agencies and thought leaders on LinkedIn. Be prepared to discuss trends and tools in interviews.
How to get your first job in cyber security
For those interested in a tech-focused career, cyber security presents a growing field. Here's how to get your first job in this industry, even with limited experience.
1. Study the basics
Understand key areas like network security, threat detection, encryption, and security compliance. Free resources like TryHackMe, Hack The Box, or Cybrary are widely respected for beginners.
2. Get relevant certifications
Certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, GIAC, CISA, Certified Information Security Officer, and CIPP can boost credibility without needing direct job experience.
3. Work on personal projects
Set up a virtual lab using free tools like Oracle VirtualBox or Kali Linux to practise ethical hacking or defensive techniques. You can document these projects in a portfolio.
4. Show a problem-solving mindset
Cyber security professionals need to think analytically. Demonstrate this through challenges you've solved, especially in interviews or on your CV.
Key takeaways
Tailor every application to the specific role and employer. Generic CVs and cover letters are rarely successful.
Consider apprenticeships if you're looking to earn while gaining qualifications and experience.
Building a strong network can significantly increase your chances of finding opportunities, often before they're advertised.
Apply selectively: focus on sending a smaller number of high-quality, targeted applications.
Keep detailed records of your applications to stay organised and prepared for follow-ups.
Next steps?
Now that you’ve got a solid understanding of how to get your first job, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence. Use our tools to create a good CV, and explore our collection of professional cover letter templates to tailor one for each job easily. Need support? Our CV Writing Services can take care of everything, from customising your documents to highlighting the right skills. Not sure where to apply? Explore our guides on high-paying jobs and in-demand jobs in the UK.
FAQs
How to get my first job if I don’t have any work experience?
Focus on transferable skills gained through education, volunteering, extracurricular activities, or part-time work. Employers hiring for first or entry-level roles don’t expect a long work history; they’re looking for potential, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.
To nail your application process, read our guide on how to craft a cover letter with no experience.
Are cover letters necessary in 2025?
Yes. Even if not required, a clear and concise cover letter can help you stand out by showing motivation, effort, and a good fit for the role. Explore more tips in our article about the purpose of a cover letter in 2025.
Can I still apply for apprenticeships if I’m over 18 or have a degree?
Yes. Many apprenticeships are open to applicants of all ages and backgrounds, including those with higher education or work experience. Degree apprenticeships in particular are aimed at older learners and career changers.
If you are a school leaver, check your career opportunities in 2025.
What should I do if I’m rejected?
Rejection is a totally normal part of the process. Whenever possible, ask for feedback, refine your CV or interview technique, and keep applying. Every application is a learning experience. For more tips, read our article on how to cope with job rejection.
