Your choices at 18

Help with employment

There are lots of websites available to help you look for work or with unemployment if you can't get work straight away.

Because finding a job can be difficult, young people sometimes have to take part-time jobs in the hope that a full-time opportunity comes up later. Some have more than one part-time job.

Although this might not be ideal, it is a way to get a foot in the door and could lead to more permanent full-time work later. Also, if you end up with a part-time job, you could study part-time too. Check out the part-time courses on offer at colleges and universities, through the Open University or sign up for a free short online course through a university - there are loads to choose from.

You could start by doing Post 16 Skills Map to see which skills you already have which will be valued within employment or higher education. 

Here are a few links to government sites that could help:

Help with job hunting

Here are a few tips on job hunting:

  • Add recruitment websites to your list of 'favourites' on your computer, check them regularly or request alert messages if jobs become available.
  • Explore job profiles and start planning how you will be able to show you have the right skills for the job. Try to provide evidence of your skills to show you have experience.
  • Watch this video about using social media to find a new job and be aware that prospective employers might well search for you online - make sure there is nothing on there which will be embarrassing!
  • Follow this link to see a beginner's guide to job hunting using social media.
  • Keep your CV up to date and to 2 sides of A4 - and type it don't write it! Post 16 Skills Map will help you identify valuable skills and experiences.
  • Write speculative letters to local firms, don't wait for jobs to be advertised.
  • Prepare for interviews - there are lots of websites with advice on how to do this.

Websites for job hunting/vacancies

Social networking sites and job hunting

Facebook, Twitter and other sites are not just used by you and your friends. Employers sometimes use social-networking information to screen job applicants. Research shows that young people aged 16-24 are losing potential job offers because of comments or pictures on their online and social-media profiles. Think about how you use these sites and who can access your profile. If you don't want to make your profile private you might want to edit your profile to ensure pictures and comments would be suitable for a prospective employer to see.

Help with unemployment

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