If you’re interested in getting a job, and beginning to earn some money then there are some things you can do to make your job search easier.

If you haven’t already, you can write a CV to send it to any potential employers. Remember to include all your skills and qualifications, as well as any training and work experience you’ve been involved in. You can also send your CV to local recruitment agencies who can support you in your job search.

You could also apply for vacancies listed on a range of different job boards including ‘find a job’ on the gov.com website. Many employers also advertise via their own websites, through their digital and social media channels and through word of mouth. Therefore, sign up for website alerts, make connections via social media (e.g. LinkedIn) and tell friends and family you are looking for work.

The specific qualifications or experience an employer requires can vary hugely depending on the exact job role.

Once in work, it is important to keep learning. So, once you’ve found your job, consider learning part time at a local college or online to help you progress in your chosen career. Courses can be found via the National Careers Service website. Many employers will fund this further study.

Internships

Internships are another route to securing work experience, which might lead to future employment. They can last anywhere between a week and 12 months and offer the chance to learn transferable skills, gain relevant experience as well as a useful insight into a particular industry or sector. If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) you may be entitled to a supported internship. And remember, if your internship is over 20 hours a week, it should involve some part-time education or training.

Self-employment

You can start a business at any age, so if you have a great idea then don’t be afraid to make it happen.

Self-employment is on the rise, and the latest data from the Office of National Statistics show that 21% of 16 to 21 year olds say that they are likely to be self-employed at some point in the future.

Self-employment includes people who work as freelancers and contractors (meaning that they typically work for a number of different clients), and entrepreneurs, who turn the spark of an idea into their own business.

When you’re self-employed, you take responsibility for managing your own workload and hours, meaning you can choose to focus on work that really excites you. As a result, young entrepreneurs often comment that they have more job satisfaction than their peers who are employed.

Of course, there can be challenges too: people who are self-employed don’t get the same benefits as those with employers do, like paid annual leave and pension contributions.

Self-employment can also mean that your income is less predictable, as you may not earn the same amount of money each month.

There is plenty of support and advice available to young entrepreneurs, from mentors who will share their own experience and help you to make business decisions, to free advice on putting together your business plan and applying for grants.

If you’re unsure of your options or want to find out more, speak to individual schools or colleges or speak to a qualified careers adviser through your school, college or other provider, local authority or via the National Careers Service.