Unlocking Career Opportunities: A Guide for Young People

In today's competitive job market, staying informed about the latest job opportunities is crucial for young people. However, it's equally important to be vigilant about potential scams that target job seekers, especially students. Here's how you can navigate the job market safely and effectively:

1. Leverage Online Job Portals

Regularly updating your profile on online job portals and setting up job alerts tailored to your preferences can keep you informed about new opportunities. The below platforms aggregate job postings from various industries and locations:

LinkedIn: LinkedIn: Log In or Sign Up

Indeed: Job Search | Indeed

Glassdoor: Glassdoor | Job Search and Career Community

2. Subscribe to Company Talent Portals

Many companies share job openings through their talent portals or asking you to register your interest. By singing up, you can receive timely updates directly in your inbox specifically job openings as soon as they open.

Here are examples of some companies where you can sign up to today:

Jaguar Land Rover: Early Careers Register Your Interest

KPMG: Login

3. Utilise University Career Services

If you're a student or recent graduate, your university's career services can be a valuable resource. They often have exclusive job postings, host career fairs, and provide guidance on the job search process. You can still utilise this service even after you graduate for a specific period (determined by your university).

4. Maintain an Updated CV and Cover Letter

Having an up-to-date CV and a customisable cover letter template enables you to apply when new job postings are online. Tailoring your CV and Cover Letter to each role increases your chances of success. Companies will be able to see through it if you keep using the same generic CV and Cover Letter for all your applications.

5. Engage with Professional Networks

Joining professional groups on platforms like LinkedIn or attending industry-specific events can expand your network and expose you to unadvertised job opportunities (aka the hidden job market). Engaging in these communities allows you to learn about openings through word-of-mouth and referrals.

6. Attend Careers Fairs and Workshops

Participating in careers fairs and workshops allows you to connect directly with employers and learn about available positions. These events also provide opportunities to enhance your skills and make valuable connections.

7. Follow Companies on Social Media

Many companies announce job openings on their social media platforms. By following companies on LinkedIn, Twitter, or TikTok, you can receive real-time updates about new positions. Also, many companies actively post on social media (such as, TikTok) where their graduates and apprentices create content for example a Day in the Life doing their role.

8. Be Aware of Job Scams

Unfortunately, scammers often target job seekers, especially students, with fake job advertisements.

To protect yourself from such scams:

• Verify the Legitimacy of Job Offers: Research any company that makes you a job offer and ensure their contact details are genuine. Be cautious of job offers where all interactions and transactions are conducted online.

• Avoid Sharing Personal Bank Details: Legitimate employers will not ask for your bank details during the application process. Be wary of unsolicited offers promising easy money in exchange for your bank information.

• Recognise Red Flags: Be cautious of job ads that are written in poor English with grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Offers that seem too good to be true, such as high pay for minimal work, are often scams.

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According to Cifas, the UK's leading fraud prevention service, criminals are targeting students with fake job opportunities online, luring them with promises of quick cash with no strings attached. Cifas and UK Finance have launched the “Don’t Be Fooled” Campaign to teach young people and students on how to keep their bank accounts safe from criminal activity.

By implementing these strategies and remaining vigilant against potential scams, you can stay proactive in your job search and be well-positioned to seize new opportunities as they arise.