Stop Sending Generic Resumes! 4 Proven Job Search Strategies That Actually Work

Trying to find your first job right now can be a struggle. With a lack of opportunities and the flood of AI-generated applications, it's easy to feel lost in the crowd. But plenty of people are finding ways to stand out and get their foot on the career ladder. Here are four real-life success stories and expert tips to help you land your first role.

1. Tailor Your CV to the Job Description

Theresa Blair, 24, from Birmingham, spent eight months sending hundreds of generic applications with little response. She changed her approach by tailoring her CV to each job, researching company values and referencing them. She focused on quality over quantity, applying for fewer jobs but spending more time on each. The result? A project manager role at a reputable company. Her advice: "The less generic the better."

2. Contact People Doing the Role You Want

Callum Stevens, 24, from Somerset, reached out on LinkedIn to someone doing a transport planning internship at Bristol City Council. By demonstrating his interest and passion to learn, he landed the internship despite no prior experience. He emphasizes that internships provide invaluable experience—as powerful as a university degree.

3. Take on Roles Outside of Work

Joshua Hopkins, 26, from Glasgow, started serving on a housing association board between jobs. This allowed him to show employers that young people bring fresh perspectives and add real value. His advice: be proactive—reach out to people you admire, get involved in causes you care about, or build skills through short courses.

4. Apply in Person Instead of Online

Clover Nelson, 20, from Leeds, was unemployed for three years despite applying online. He switched to applying in person, talking directly to managers. This human element made all the difference and landed him a retail job. His tip: look for opportunities in shop windows and make a personal connection.

Expert Tips on How to Apply for a Job

Katherine Leopold, Faculty Employability Lead Tutor at Greenwich Business School, shares her top tips:

• Focus on authenticity: Use AI as a tool, not a replacement for your own voice. Employers want to hear what you offer, not generic robot answers.
• Demonstrate impact: Instead of listing duties, tell employers the difference you made. Spell out what they would gain from hiring you.
• Focus on quality not quantity: Successful graduates take time to understand employers, build relationships, and make themselves visible before applying. Engage on LinkedIn, join professional communities, and follow conversations online.