Stepping out of college or uni and into your first job is a defining moment. You’re balancing deadlines, planning your next career move, and trying to understand how the world of work actually operates. It can feel uncertain, yet it’s also full of opportunity.
The truth is simple that getting a job as a student is not about doing everything at once, it’s about doing the right things at the right time. With the right plan, strong preparation, and consistent action, you can move from uncertainty to confidence and land your first role faster than most job seekers.
In this blog Simon, one of our Mexa Solution directors, will break down proven strategies, answers key questions, and gives you the best advice to stand out in a competitive market for jobs in the UK.
Why Your First Job Matters More Than You Think
Your first role, whether it’s a part time job, internship, or graduate job, sets the tone for your future. Employers value early signs of a strong work ethic, reliability, and communication skills.
Studies of UK graduates show that those who engage early with careers education and planning have higher odds of securing employment and graduate‑level roles than those who do not.
Even temporary jobs, summer jobs, or volunteer work help you build:
- Real work experience
- Confidence in the workplace
- Exposure to different type of work
- Stronger applications for future job opportunities
Build a Strong Foundation Before You Start Applying
Before you begin applying, take the time to strengthen your CV, develop key skills, and clarify the type of roles you’re targeting so you can approach your job search with confidence and direction.
1. Create a great CV
For most students, your CV won’t be filled with years of commercial experience, and that’s completely okay. Recruiters and hiring managers understand that. What they’re really looking for is clear evidence that you’re organised, proactive, and able to demonstrate your potential.
Start by getting the basics right by including your contact details at the top, a brief personal summary, key skills or projects, your education, and then any work history or relevant experience.
Mexa’s CV guidance also highlights the importance of keeping your CV concise and focused, rather than trying to include everything.
- As a student, it’s important not to overlook experiences such as:
- coursework projects
- team assignments
- societies or sports clubs
- volunteering
- part-time jobs
- placements
- freelance work
- certifications
- personal projects
All of these can help demonstrate valuable skills like communication, reliability, initiative, teamwork, and problem-solving.
It’s also important to avoid using the same generic CV for every application. Even at entry level, you need to tailor it for each role as it will make a difference. As Mexa advises, getting hired is about being prepared, staying visible, and using a CV that’s aligned to the specific role.
2. Create A Portfolio
For roles in creative, digital, tech, or project-based fields, a portfolio is often what helps you stand out.
It should be a focused collection of your best work, presented in a clear and relevant way. Whether it’s a website, PDF, or online platform, the goal is to show what you can do, how you approach problems, the tools you use, and the type of work you want to pursue.
What you include will depend on your area. Design and marketing students might showcase campaigns, content, or branding work. Tech students could highlight code, apps, or projects, while business-focused students might include presentations, reports, or analysis.
Most importantly, add context. Briefly explain the task, your approach, your role, and the outcome so employers can understand how you think, not just what you’ve produced.
3. Build Your Online and offline Presence
This is often overlooked, but both in-person and online visibility play a huge role in your job search.
Attending community events such as careers fairs, local meet-ups, industry talks, webinars, alumni sessions, or professional body events helps you build real connections. You start to recognise names, and people begin to recognise yours.
You gain insight into how employers think, improve how you introduce yourself, and sometimes hear about opportunities before they’re advertised. Not every event leads directly to a job, but that’s not the goal. The value comes from building momentum, confidence, and visibility.
Alongside this, having a strong presence online is just as important. A polished LinkedIn profile is essential, as many recruiters actively use it to find candidates.
Make sure you include a professional photo, highlight key parts of your CV, connect with recruiters and industry professionals, and share insights or projects to showcase your interests and skills.
4. Focus Your Learning on What Matters
Continuing to learn is important, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of taking too many courses without real direction. Instead, choose learning that directly supports the type of role you’re aiming for.
This might include:
- following a podcast in your chosen industry
- completing a relevant certification or qualification
- learning a tool that employers regularly ask for
- attending a webinar series
- joining a professional body as a student member
- keeping up to date with industry trends and insights
Mexa’s employability advice for 2026 highlights continuous learning as a key way to stay competitive, but the focus should always be on practical value.
It’s better to complete one meaningful piece of learning and apply it, adding it to your CV, LinkedIn, or portfolio, than to collect multiple certificates that don’t link to real experience.
Smart Job Search Strategies That Work
Use Job Boards Properly
Job boards are a helpful tool, but they shouldn’t be your entire approach.
Instead of sending out dozens of applications and hoping for the best, use them more strategically. Look for patterns such as which companies are hiring, the roles that appear frequently, the skills employers consistently ask for, the locations that are realistic, and the job titles that match your level.
From there, take a more targeted approach.
Start with your university or college careers board, as many employers advertise roles there specifically for students and recent graduates. Then expand your search to platforms like LinkedIn Jobs, Indeed, company careers pages, and niche industry boards. You can also use AI tools to help identify suitable opportunities.
A more effective method is to find relevant roles, tailor your CV for each one, apply promptly, connect with the company on LinkedIn, and keep a record of your applications so you stay organised.
Track Your Applications
Stay organised:
- Record where you applied
- Follow up when needed
- Prepare for each interviewer
Where Students Should Look for Jobs
Top Sources for Student Jobs
To find a job, you need to combine multiple channels:
- University career platforms (su portals, employment 4 students, e4s)
- student jobs website
- Public job boards
- Company websites
- Networking events
- Social platforms
Search for:
- part time jobs
- student job roles
- apprenticeship opportunities
- graduate schemes
- temporary jobs or temp roles
Many business owners prefer to advertise roles directly to students, especially through campus platforms.
Expanding Your Options After Graduation
once your exams have finished it’s time to shift your mindset to foucsed job hunting mode. Now is the perfect time to
- refine and finalise your CV
- complete your portfolio
- set up job alerts
- begin applying for roles
- reach out to relevant contacts
- attend industry events
- build your visibility
Getting applications in early can make a real difference. Mexa’s hiring guidance highlights that early applicants are more likely to be shortlisted, and that staying visible, following up, and networking all increase your chances of securing interviews.
We also know that sometimes you may wish to take time out and go on a gap year which is also something we see many students do. it is still a good idea however to create a template of your cv just so you have it ready for when you return or if you decide an oppitnity comes your way.
How Mexa Solutions Can Support You
At Mexa Solutions, we specialise in recruitment and work closely with both candidates and organisations across the UK, so we understand exactly what employers are looking for at entry level.
If you’re unsure where to start, our practical guide to getting hired is designed to give you clear, actionable steps to move forward with confidence. Alongside this, our CV writing tips help you present your experience in a way that stands out to recruiters and hiring managers.
Because we partner directly with organisations, we see first-hand what makes candidates successful. That means our advice is not just theoretical, it’s based on real recruitment insight and what actually works in today’s market.
Using these resources can help you approach your looking for roles in a more structured, focused way, giving you a stronger chance of securing interviews and landing your first role.
Your Next Steps Start Here
Landing your first job is about preparation, clarity, and consistent action. Whether you start with part time jobs, an internship, or a graduate job, every step builds your experience and confidence.
Focus on building a strong CV, using the right channels, and staying visible to recruiters. Keep improving your skills, stay organised, and take action early.
Your first role doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to get you started.
FAQs: First Job for Students
When should I start applying?
Begin preparation during your final year. Start applying right after exams. Early applications often get more attention from recruiters.
Are graduate schemes worth it?
Yes. Graduate schemes offer structured training, clear progression, and exposure to different departments. They are highly competitive, so apply early.
Should I consider an apprenticeship?
Absolutely. An apprenticeship allows you to earn while learning and gain real employment experience. Many lead to permanent roles.
What mistakes should I avoid?
- Sending the same CV to every role
- Ignoring job vacancies on university platforms
- Poor communication skills during interviews
- Lack of preparation for the interviewer
- Weak time management
This blog was written by Simon Bath, Director and Founder of Mexa Solutions.