Employers' own websites
Best way
Big employers like supermarkets and fast food chains put all their jobs on their own careers sites.
🔎 Job search tips
Practical help for young people looking for part-time work, a first job or an apprenticeship.
✔ Checked October 2026🗺️ Where to look
Job websites
Search
Search by job and postcode, then set up email alerts.
Ask in person
Local
Smaller local shops, cafés and businesses often take people on after someone asks. Ask for the manager and leave your CV.
People you know
Contacts
Tell family, friends, teachers and neighbours you're looking. Many first jobs come from someone you know.
📝 Applying for a job
- Read the advert carefullyCheck the hours, location, pay and what they want. Can you get there on time? See Travel.
- Get your CV readyUse the CV Builder, and change it a little for each job.
- Fill in the formMany big employers use online forms. Have your CV, email address and phone number ready, and give examples of your skills.
- Get someone to check itAsk a trusted adult to read it before you send it.
- Keep a recordWrite down where you applied, the date and any login details, so you can follow up.
Online tests: some employers ask you to answer questions about what you'd do in a situation. Read each question carefully and answer honestly. There's often no time limit.
🎤 Interviews
Before
Prepare
Find out about the employer, plan your journey, and practise answers about your strengths and why you want the job.
What to bring
Checklist
Any documents they asked for (often ID for right to work checks), a copy of your CV, and something to drink.
On the day
Tips
Arrive 10 minutes early. Smile, say hello, listen carefully, and it's OK to ask them to repeat a question.
Asking for adjustments
SENDYour right
You can ask for changes to help you at interview, like extra time, questions in writing or bringing a support worker. Ask when you're invited.
Good questions to ask
Questions
What would a normal day be like? Who would I work with? Is there training? When will I hear back?
Afterwards
Follow up
If you don't get the job, ask for feedback. Every interview is practice for the next one.
💷 Pay
Employers must pay at least the legal minimum. The rates from 1 April 2026 are:
| Age or type of worker | Minimum per hour |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | £8.00 |
| 18 to 20 | £10.85 |
| 21 and over (National Living Wage) | £12.71 |
| Apprentice (first year, or under 19) | £8.00 |
Check your pay: you should get a payslip every time you're paid. If you think you're being paid too little, use the government's Check your pay service or talk to a trusted adult.
Benefits: if you or your family get benefits, starting work can change them. Ask a benefits adviser or Jobcentre Plus before you start, so there are no surprises.
⚖️ Your rights at work
- A written statement: you should get your main terms (pay, hours, holidays) in writing from your first day.
- Breaks: under-18s are entitled to a 30-minute break if they work more than 4.5 hours.
- Hours: under-18s usually can't work more than 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week.
- Paid holiday: almost all workers get paid holiday, including part-time workers.
- Training and safety: your employer must show you how to do the job safely.
- Fair treatment: it's against the law to treat you unfairly because of a disability, and employers must make reasonable adjustments.
🛡️ Staying safe and avoiding scams
Never pay for a job
Scams
A real employer or agency will never charge you to apply, register, train or get a uniform.
Keep bank details private
Money
Only give bank details after you've been offered the job and have a contract, through the employer's official system.
Check the employer
Trust
Look for a real website, address and phone number. Be careful with jobs only advertised on social media or WhatsApp.
Too good to be true?
Warning signs
High pay for little work, "no experience needed" and "start today" can be warning signs. Ask an adult to check.
Interviews in safe places
Safety
Interviews should be at the workplace or online through a proper company account. Tell someone where you're going.
Never send ID by message
ID
Only show ID or passport copies through official right to work checks, not by text or social media.
✅ Next steps
- Make your CV with the CV Builder.
- Choose three employers from the local employers list.
- Check the hours, pay and travel route for each job.
- Ask a trusted adult to check your application before you send it.
- Keep a list of everywhere you've applied.