Finding your first job these days can be a real challenge.
There aren’t enough opportunities to gain experience, and the widespread use of artificial intelligence in the recruitment process can mean that neither you nor the employer will be able to find what you’re looking for.
Despite this, many people are finding ways to stand out and advance their careers.
We’ve compiled the stories of four young Britons who found themselves stuck in a cycle of sending out hundreds of applications and rarely receiving replies. They’ve shared what they did to land a job.
1. Tailor your CV to the job description
Photo: Teresa Blair
Teresa Blair, 24, from Birmingham, graduated from Aston University in 2025 with a master’s degree in pharmacy.
But after an internship in project management, she decided that this was the career path she wanted to pursue.
For eight months, she applied for hundreds of vacancies, often without even receiving a reply.
“I realised I was sending generic CVs to recruiters, and I found it difficult to stand out from the other candidates,” she says.
She began tailoring her CV to each role, researching each company’s values and referencing them in her applications.
“I realised I needed to highlight the skills I’d acquired in specific roles and explain how that made me a suitable candidate for the job,” she says.
She applied for fewer jobs but spent more time on each one.
“The fewer, the better,” she says.
Teresa secured a full-time role at a bank’s customer service call centre. She now works as a project manager, commuting to the London office three times a week.
“It’s a two- to three-hour commute, which can be tough, but I’m gaining valuable experience at a reputable company, so I’m incredibly happy,” she says.
Her advice to others trying to land their first job: “No matter how difficult it is, keep applying. The job market is tough right now, but trust that employers will recognise your efforts.”
2. Talk to people who are already doing the job you dream of
Photo by Callum Stevens
Callum Stevens, 24, from Carry Revel in Somerset, studied computer science at the University of the West of England (UWE), where he also developed an interest in transport.
He got in touch via LinkedIn with someone who was doing a transport planning placement at Bristol City Council, and when a similar placement opportunity came up again, he applied and was successfully selected.
Callum had no experience in transport planning, but believes he was offered the role because he demonstrated that he was ‘interested and keen to learn’.
The placement, which is due to end in August, is a full-time role, and the intern is paid the minimum wage. Callum may be able to continue with it, but he is now starting to look for a full-time job.
“Although it’s not a permanent job, the experience has been invaluable,” he says. “This experience counts for just as much as my university degree.”
Callum advises people hoping to find a job “not to underestimate the value of an internship just because it’s temporary.”
3. Look for opportunities outside your main job
Photo by Joshua Hopkins
Joshua Hopkins, 26, from Glasgow, started out in business and marketing in Belgium but then switched to an internship.
He works at a law firm and has completed half of a three-year course at the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants to qualify as a chartered accountant.
Between his previous and current jobs, Joshua began serving on the board of the Housing and Community Services Association.
He says this has enabled him to show potential employers that “young people can bring a fresh perspective, ask questions that others overlook, and add real value even without extensive experience”.
His advice is to make the most of any opportunity that helps you stand out from other candidates.
He added: “You should network with people you admire, get involved in a cause you care about, or develop your skills through short courses. Significant progress is achieved simply by taking action.”
4. Try applying in person rather than online
Photo of Clover Nelson
Clover Nelson, 20, from Leeds, landed a job in retail after three years of unemployment.
“I was looking for work on job sites, doing everything I could, but nine times out of ten I didn’t get a reply,” he says.
Clover decided to try a new approach of speaking to managers in person rather than sending online applications. He says that’s exactly what landed him the job.
“Start by looking for adverts in shop windows or cafés. When you apply online, there’s no human element, and that can make all the difference,” says Clover.
What the experts advise
Catherine Leopold, a senior lecturer in human resources at Greenwich Business School, shared her top tips for applying for jobs.
- Focus on authenticity and write your application yourself – use artificial intelligence only as a tool to help you think, structure your ideas and improve your application, but not as a substitute for your own voice. Employers want to hear what you have to offer, not generic, robotic responses. Be users of AI, not dependent on it.
- Demonstrate your impact – rather than listing what you’ve done, explain what you’ve changed. If you’re talking about excellent communication skills, did they help you successfully complete a project? Explain how the employer will benefit from you.
- Focus on quality, not quantity – the job seekers who are often most successful aren’t those who send out hundreds of applications, but those who take the time to understand employers, build relationships and make their case before applying. This might mean connecting with employers on LinkedIn, joining professional communities or following relevant online discussions.