Stories

Sat, 06 Jun 2026

Sat, 06 Jun 2026 I was applying for hundreds of jobs - this tip helped me get one

Four people who weren't hearing back from job applications shared what they did differently to secure their first role.
1. Theresa Blair: Graduated from Aston University with a pharmacy masters, but realized she wanted to pursue project management instead. Spent 8 months sending hundreds of job applications without getting a response. She tailored her CV to suit every job and applied for fewer jobs with more attention to detail. Result: Got a full-time job in a bank customer service call centre, now works as a project manager commuting to London. 2. Callum Stevens: Studied computer science at the University of the West of England (UWE) and developed an interest in transport planning. Applied for a transport planning internship at Bristol City Council after reaching out on LinkedIn to someone doing the role. Result: Got the internship, which has been "invaluable" experience. 3. Joshua Hopkins: Switched from a business and marketing degree in Belgium to an apprenticeship. Works at a law firm and is halfway through a Chartered Institute of Management Accountants course. Also serves on a housing association board, showing employers that young people can bring fresh perspectives. Result: Secured a job and valuable experience. 4. Clover Nelson: Spent 3 years unemployed but eventually secured a job in retail after trying a new approach: going in person to talk with managers instead of sending online applications. Result: Got the job, citing the importance of human interaction when applying for roles.