How did you find your first job?

[Jo7]

Hello

One of the main barriers to getting a job is job hunting itself and knowing who to speak to and where to look for the job that you're after.

Tell us how you found your first job and feel free to share tips and ideas below.

[cherryontop]

I got my first job through replying to an advert on the guardian website - it wasn't exactly what I wanted to do and it was part time on a temporary contract, but it was in the right area so it was a good start. Eventually, after a little while, I was able to get the full time job I really wanted, with the same organisation, through internal adverts. that way the manager already knew me and was happy with how I was working... Sometimes that's a great way to get your foot in the door.

[L1ttleOne]

I don't have a job at the moment; but I got my first proper paid job as part of my Uni degree. I studied Law and I had the opportunity to do a placement in a law firm in the third year. Luckily for me, my Uni contacted the firm for me; all I had to do was make sure my CV was up to date. I then attended an interview with the firm.
I think finding a job on my own will be a lot harder but I will hopefully be in a good position to apply thanks to the experience and skills I gained through the placement.

[Mavis]

My first steps on the career ladder were as a planning policy officer and I found jobsgopublic really useful (which covers a whole range of public sector jobs)...in fact I think just about all the jobs I applied for I had found on there first. Apart from that I used Planning Jobs (but their e-mail bulletins were never that great, even though it was sector specific), GuardianJobs (good if you're looking for other vacancies, not just in the public sector) and the local newspaper.

[Bonobo]

I got my first job as a retail assistant simply by applying for an instore vacancy when I was 17. It was easy to get, and the money was alright. £6.83 at the time, 12 hours a week - ample pocket money for whilst I was studying my A levels.

Fast forward seven years later and I've left University and have been applying hopelessly for jobs for months. Unfortunately the circumstances have changed - many suggested I take on unpaid experience; and I did to a degree. But I was vastly underemployed and doing something that I could have easily managed 7 years ago.

I got a lucky break through networking and knowing people who know people, which got me an interview, and then I got the job off the back of my academic merits and my strong CV. I think as with anything, often it's not what you know, but who know. If you have the opportunity to network - even if you're out of work - just get out there and start meeting people.

[CamilleB]

I was walking down the street with my friend and some guy came to me and started promoting the tours of their traveling agency. I took the brochure and called them, asked if they hire people. They said yes, and voila - I became their employee