Getting a job... where do I start?

The time comes in everyone's life at some point when they have to get a job. It doesn't matter what the job is, where the job is, how old you are or any other interchangeable features. But how do you get started with getting a job, especially your first job? That's what I hope to help you with. 

If you've read my previous article on starting a new job, you will know that I recently started a new job - my first job. Well, I say recently - I've now been working there for six months. Six months, can you believe it! But as I say, this was my first job. I knew nothing about how to get a job or how to act in an interview for a job.

I feel that this is the same for many teens in Britain these days. Like I say, I knew nothing about how to get a job. Sixth form seems to be very university-centred and teaches you how to write a personal statement and apply for university but not how to write a cover letter or a CV. 
I had to rely on my next door neighbour to help me perfect my CV and cover letter because I had no idea what I was doing. The first draft I ever did of my CV was truly rubbish and I basically had to redo it all before my neighbour would give it a proper look. 
The amount of help and guidance you are given by sixth form centres when you are choosing to work rather than go to university is very limited. 

As if getting a job isn't difficult enough in life with jobs being cut and unemployment rising, being young and having no preparation makes it even more difficult than you could ever imagine. However, here are some tips for you on what could help you to find your first job a little easier and make employers pick you over the other candidates at an interview. 

• Look on apprenticeship websites
  

Rather than jumping in at the deep end and going through a recruitment agency or a careers website, maybe try getting an apprenticeship first. This gets you experience in the workplace, an extra qualification for your CV and there's often an abundance of apprenticeships to choose from in all different sectors.

• Be cautious with your social media presence 
  

Social media is a huge thing in the modern world and no matter what restrictions websites put on themselves, young kids find a way to get online. We all post stupid things when we're young - heck, I cringe at old photos and when Facebook gives me my daily memories, anything from 3+ years ago automatically gets deleted - but these things can come back to bite you when looking for a job. Employers will research you and if they find Facebook albums called ‘Gorgeous Me kiss kiss xx’ or offensive tweets, these can harm your chances of getting a job. 

• Find something which makes you stand out
  

Employers are going to look at a lot of CVs in order to find the perfect person for their vacancy. They're going to see a lot of A, B and C exam results. This is normal. But what have you got that other people don't have? Have you got a Duke of Edinburgh award? Did you volunteer in a foreign country? Whatever it is, you can bring something to the job that other people can't. 

• Hand your CV out locally
  

There aren't always going to be jobs that pop up just at the right time. So go to shops and businesses near you, in your village and town, and ask if you can leave your CV with the manager. Make sure to ask to speak to the manager so you can be sure they'll get it. Most businesses will keep your CV on file in case a vacancy comes up. It might not find you a job instantly but it could help to you to find one in future. 
 
Whatever you do in life, just don't give up. One day, you will find a job that's perfect for you and you will rock that interview and be awesome at what you do. You got this! 

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