Working out what you want to do – 10 top tips
- Think about what you want to do and come up with a job goal.
- If you’re not sure, find out more about what different jobs involve and whether they could be right for you.
- Find out more about different types of job in our ‘sectors’ section.
- The National Careers Service (external website) has profiles of a range of jobs.
- Youth Employment UK (external website) has a career guide and quiz to help you find your ideal role.
- Think about what you’re good at and what you can offer an employer.
- Make a list of your skills and experience, including your qualifications, work experience and personal or ‘soft’ skills, such as team working or problem solving. Ask other people what you’re good at.
- You can then start matching these skills against the type of job you’re after.
- Taking a skills assessment (external website) can help you find out about the jobs that could suit you and what you find interesting.
- If you find you have gaps in your skills and experience, don’t worry. Think about ways you can fill them. Have a look at our pages on skills for work to get you started.
- Of course, your job goal can change over time, and you may need to be flexible. For example, if the job you want isn’t immediately available, you can look for other things to get you started and build your skills and experience.
- Take a look at our ‘7 steps to success’ section for more details on job goals and how to boost your chances of getting the right job.
- Youth Hubs are friendly spaces in your community where you can get practical help with skills, work, confidence and wellbeing, all in one place. Our ‘Personal support’ page includes information on Youth Hubs and other support.