Resources
Guides written in plain English
Short, practical guides covering the things people usually have to work out for themselves, grouped by what you need.
Browse by topic
About Early Careers
Who we are, how we check opportunities and what you can expect from us.
- 7 minute readWhy We Created Early CareersHow Early Careers came about and what we are trying to solve for young people and employers.
- 5 minute readMore Than a Jobs BoardHow Early Careers combines opportunities with practical advice to support young people before, during and after they apply.
- 5 minute read100 Employers. Thousands of Opportunities. One Place to Start.An invitation for founding employers to join the first 100 organisations shaping Early Careers.
Careers advice
CVs, interviews, applications and where to get free practical help.
- 7 minute readPreparing for your first interviewWhat to expect, how to prepare answers, and what to do if you get stuck.
- 8 minute readYour First Interview? Here's What to ExpectSix practical ways to prepare for your first job interview, including what to research, how to plan examples and what to do if you get stuck.
- 4 minute readWhat Does “Pro Rata” Actually Mean?A simple explanation of pro rata salaries and how to work out what you will actually earn.
- 8 minute readWhat Should You Put on Your First CV?Practical guidance on what to include on a first CV when you have little or no formal work experience.
- 6 minute readWhat Does “Entry-Level” Actually Mean?How to tell whether an entry-level role is genuinely suitable for someone starting their career, and what candidates and employers should expect.
- 4 minute readSupport available through JobcentresWhat a work coach can help with, and the youth support offer available in many areas.
- 7 minute readWhat If You Don't Know What Career You Want?Why not having a five-year plan is completely normal, and practical ways to explore your options before committing.
- 7 minute readYou Don't Have to Have "Work Experience" to Have ExperienceWhy school projects, sport, volunteering, caring responsibilities and personal projects can all count as experience when you're starting out.
- 6 minute readWhat Happens After You Apply for a Job?A simple guide to what happens after you submit a job application, from shortlisting to offer and what to do if you are not successful.
- 6 minute readWhat Should You Say When an Interviewer Asks: "Tell Me About Yourself"?A simple three-part structure for answering one of the most common interview questions, even if you don't have much experience.
- 6 minute read5 Things Nobody Tells You About Your First JobFive honest reminders for anyone starting their first job, from asking questions to recovering from mistakes.
- 7 minute readWhat Makes Someone Good at Work?Seven practical qualities that matter at work, especially when you're just starting out.
Apprenticeships
How apprenticeships work, what the levels mean and how you are paid.
- 9 minute readUnderstanding apprenticeshipsWhat an apprenticeship actually involves, how you are paid, and what the different levels mean.
- 5 minute readChoosing between university and an apprenticeshipAn honest comparison of cost, study style, career progression and flexibility.
- 7 minute readWhat Actually Happens During an Apprenticeship?A practical look at a normal apprenticeship week, including work, training, pay and what happens when you finish.
- 8 minute readUniversity or Apprenticeship? How to Choose the Right Route for YouA plain-English comparison of university and apprenticeships so you can decide which route fits your learning style, circumstances and career plans.
- 8 minute read5 Myths About ApprenticeshipsCommon misconceptions about apprenticeships and the reality behind each one.
- 8 minute readApprenticeship vs University: Which Suits You?Five questions to help you decide whether an apprenticeship or university is the right route for you.
- 8 minute readWhat Can an Apprentice Actually Do for Your Business?How apprentices can contribute across digital, marketing, finance, technology, administration, engineering and customer service while they develop their skills.
- 6 minute readWhat Happens When an Apprenticeship Ends?What apprentices can do after completing their programme, from staying in permanent employment to progressing onto higher qualifications.
Jobs and working life
Pay, benefits, contracts and your rights once you start work.
- 6 minute readUnderstanding salary and workplace benefitsGross and net pay, pro rata salaries, pensions, holiday and what to check before accepting a job offer.
- 5 minute readReasonable adjustments at workYour rights, common examples, and how to ask for changes without over-explaining.
- 6 minute readLooking for Your First Job? Here's What "Entry-Level" Should Actually MeanWhat entry-level really means, how to spot a genuine first job, and why you don't need to tick every box before applying.
- 6 minute read5 Things to Look for in an Entry-Level Job AdvertFive practical things to check in an entry-level job advert before you apply, from salary and training to progression.
- 8 minute readWhat Should You Ask Before Accepting a Job?Seven practical questions to ask before accepting a job offer, from salary and hours to training and progression.
- 8 minute readHow to Spot a Good Entry-Level OpportunitySeven practical ways to judge whether an entry-level opportunity is right for you before you spend time applying.
- 7 minute readDon't Just Apply to Jobs. Research the Employer.Five quick ways to research an employer before you apply, so you can decide whether the organisation is right for you.
For employers
Listing roles, moderation times and what employers can expect.
- 5 minute readDo You Really Need Three Years' Experience?A question for employers: why does your entry-level role require three years' experience?
- 8 minute readWhat Makes a Good Early Career Opportunity?Six practical things every employer should include in an apprentice, intern, graduate or entry-level job advert.
- 6 minute readRecruiting for PotentialWhy curiosity, reliability, communication, problem solving and willingness to learn can matter more than years of experience when hiring for early career roles.
- 6 minute readSalary Transparency Isn't ComplicatedWhy clear salary, hours, benefits, pro rata and bonus information makes early career job adverts more effective.
- 7 minute readYour First Six Months Can Make or Break a Young Employee's ExperienceFive practical ways employers can help a young employee settle in, build confidence and succeed during their first six months.
- 6 minute readAre You Actually Looking for Experience?Why employers should question whether they need previous experience or simply a skill that could be taught, and how this opens up a wider talent pool.
- 8 minute readWhat Does a Young Person Actually Want From Their First Employer?Six practical things employers can offer to give a young employee a fair chance to learn, contribute and develop.
- 6 minute readGive Someone Their First ChanceWhy giving an inexperienced but motivated candidate their first opportunity can be one of the best hiring decisions an employer makes.
Graduates
Graduate schemes, entry level roles and life after university.
- 10 minute readWhat Can You Do After University?A plain-English guide to the options available after university, from graduate schemes and internships to further study and entry-level roles.
- 8 minute readGraduate Scheme or Graduate Job? What's the Difference?The differences between graduate schemes and graduate jobs, and how to decide which is right for you.
- 7 minute readYour Degree Doesn't Have to Decide Your Entire CareerWhy your degree subject doesn't lock you into one career path, and how to talk about the transferable skills you've gained.
- 7 minute readYour First Graduate Job Doesn't Have to Be Your Forever JobWhy your first graduate role is a starting point for learning and discovery, not a lifelong career decision.