The Actually Useful Guide to Finding a Better Job in London
With thousands (millions?) of careers pages, job boards, recruiters and agencies out there, the hardest part of getting started on the job search can be knowing where to focus.
To save you from endless Googling and dead ends, we’ve pulled together this straightforward guide to finding work in London, especially for hourly, entry and mid level jobs.
IRL Opportunities: Meeting Employers Face-to-Face
Even in 2025, getting a job is about hitting it off with people and in a city as busy as London, showing up in person can make a real difference.
Job Fairs & Hiring Events
London has regular free job fairs where employers actively look for candidates. These events give you the chance to talk to hiring managers directly, and sometimes even interview on the spot. A few to know about:
London Job Show: A big multi-sector fair at venues like Westfield Shepherd’s Bush, featuring 60+ employers. Free entry, open to all, and a great way to apply directly. Check the London Job Show site for upcoming dates (usually spring and autumn).
The UK Careers Fair: A one-day travelling event that regularly stops in London, bringing dozens of employers together under one roof.
Industry-specific fairs: Hospitality, construction, film & TV – you’ll often find niche events on Eventbrite or through local councils and colleges.
University & college career fairs: Some are open to the public, so it’s worth checking local institutions like City and Islington or South Thames College.
Jobcentre Plus recruitment days: Many London Jobcentres host employer sessions and local hiring drives – ask your Work Coach for details.
Quick tips: Dress smart casual, bring a few copies of your CV (or even better, your Rodeo Profile), and be ready to introduce yourself. At worst, you’ll get interview practice; at best, you’ll come away with some follow ups.
Networking & Community Connections
Networking isn’t just for the suits. London has groups and meetups that make it easy to connect with people:
Professional associations: From hospitality mixers to IT meetups, these gatherings can help you build useful contacts.
Meetup.com or Luma: Search for job seeker or industry-specific meetups – tech, hospitality, creative fields, and more.
Community job clubs: Many boroughs host weekly job clubs in libraries or community centres, offering advice and peer support.
Online groups: Facebook and Reddit communities (like r/UKJobs or “London Jobs” on Facebook) can be helpful, though always double-check opportunities.
Many jobs aren’t advertised publicly, so tapping into your network (or a friend's) can help you hear about roles first.
Applying On the Spot
It might feel old-fashioned, but walking into a shop, café, or pub with a CV still works. Many small businesses prefer to meet candidates face-to-face rather than sift through online applications. Look for “Staff Wanted” signs in windows, ask politely at non-peak times, and be ready with a short introduction about your experience.
Keep your eyes open. Job ads pop up in all sorts of places: posters in shop windows, signs on buses, even numbers on delivery vans.
Community Resources
London has a wide range of free support services for job seekers:
National Careers Service: Free one-to-one career guidance in person or over the phone.
Local councils & charities: Initiatives like Hackney Works or Newham Workplace provide targeted support. Youth-focused charities such as The Prince’s Trust run programmes that often lead directly to interviews.
Libraries: Many host job clubs, workshops, and provide computer access for applications.
Upskilling schemes: Councils and adult education centres often fund free or low-cost training in high-demand skills.
Jobcentre Plus: Free CV help, interview practice, job search support, and access to training.
The Best Online Job Boards & Platforms
London has thousands of online listings. The main platforms are:
Rodeo (obviously!) – Focused on helping hourly and flexible workers connect with jobs quickly.
Indeed – The largest UK job site focusing on quantity (but not quality), watch out for duplicate or outdated listings and beware of scams.
Totaljobs – Long-running, with plenty of listings across sectors.
Reed.co.uk – A mix of job board and recruitment agency.
LinkedIn – Better known for professional networking, but includes a growing number of hourly and entry-level roles.
Adzuna – Powers the government’s “Find a job” site, often less cluttered than others.
Specialist boards: For example, Caterer.com for hospitality, Otta for startups, Escape the City for purpose-driven work, and Guardian Jobs for media, charity, and public sector.
On any site, avoid listings that look vague or too good to be true. Stick with trusted platforms, and never hand over sensitive details before you’ve confirmed the employer is genuine.
London-Specific Job Resources
London has unique channels worth checking:
Government “Find a job” portal: Reliable and scam-free, though basic in design.
Local councils: Every borough posts jobs – from schools and libraries to admin and maintenance roles.
Mayor of London resources: Initiatives like the Good Work Standard highlight fair-paying employers.
Apprenticeships: Available to all ages, apprenticeships are paid training opportunities in sectors like construction, IT, and healthcare. Search via gov.uk.
Recruitment agencies: From big names like Reed, Adecco and Manpower to niche players in catering, warehouse, or admin roles. Free to register, though agencies take a cut from employers.
Civil Service Jobs & NHS Jobs: Large employers with structured career paths and benefits.
University & college job boards: Often open to alumni or local residents, with roles ranging from internships to full-time jobs.
Free and Low-Cost Training & Support
Upskilling can help you land better-paid work. London offers plenty of free or affordable options:
Free Courses for Jobs: Government-funded training in in-demand fields like IT, healthcare, and construction.
Skills Bootcamps: Short, intensive courses in coding, marketing, HGV driving and more, often ending with guaranteed interviews.
Adult education colleges: Low-cost or free employability and vocational training, particularly for low-income learners.
Jobcentre-funded training: Ask about vouchers for qualifications like CSCS, SIA, or forklift licenses.
Libraries & online learning: Access to LinkedIn Learning and other platforms via your local library.
Charities & mentoring: Organisations like The Prince’s Trust, Dress for Success, and Suited & Booted provide coaching and practical help for free.
Tips for Navigating London’s Job Market
Commute costs matter: A closer job can be worth more than a higher salary with a long commute. Check if employers offer season ticket loans.
Know your wage baseline: The legal minimum (as of 2025) is £12.21/hour, but the London Living Wage is £13.85/hour – a better benchmark for covering living costs.
Balance prestige vs. pay: Some industries (media, fashion) pay less than less “glamorous” roles in admin or logistics. Decide what matters most.
Know your rights: Paid holiday, sick pay, and fair treatment apply to all workers. ACAS offers free advice if you need help.
Avoid burnout: Job searching can be draining – take breaks and use London’s free events, parks, and museums to recharge.
Use London’s diversity: Cultural groups, alumni networks, and community associations can all be sources of leads.
Extra Resources Worth Knowing
National Careers Service: Free advice by phone or appointment.
JobHelp: Government-run site highlighting sectors currently hiring.
ACAS: Free, confidential advice on workplace rights (0300 123 1100).
Citizens Advice: Employment, benefits, housing and legal support.
Workers’ rights groups: Charities and unions offering support in disputes.
Childcare support: Universal Credit can cover childcare costs while you work or train.
Wellbeing support: NHS IAPT services offer free mental health help, and libraries or GPs can connect you with local services.
Next Steps: Your Action Plan
Set priorities: Pay, location, hours, progression – decide what matters to you.
Pick your channels: Combine one or two in-person approaches with one or two online platforms.
Update your CV & profiles: Make sure they reflect your current skills and availability.
Tap your network: From family and friends to online communities.
Get support: Use free services to strengthen your CV, practice interviews, or access training.
Stay consistent: Rejection happens, but persistence pays off in London’s huge job market.
With the right mix of in-person effort, smart use of online tools, and a bit of persistence, you’ll find a role that fits your needs. London is competitive, but it’s also full of opportunities – and now you know where to look.
With thousands (millions?) of careers pages, job boards, recruiters and agencies out there, the hardest part of getting started on the job search can be knowing where to focus.
To save you from endless Googling and dead ends, we’ve pulled together this straightforward guide to finding work in London, especially for hourly, entry and mid level jobs.
IRL Opportunities: Meeting Employers Face-to-Face
Even in 2025, getting a job is about hitting it off with people and in a city as busy as London, showing up in person can make a real difference.
Job Fairs & Hiring Events
London has regular free job fairs where employers actively look for candidates. These events give you the chance to talk to hiring managers directly, and sometimes even interview on the spot. A few to know about:
London Job Show: A big multi-sector fair at venues like Westfield Shepherd’s Bush, featuring 60+ employers. Free entry, open to all, and a great way to apply directly. Check the London Job Show site for upcoming dates (usually spring and autumn).
The UK Careers Fair: A one-day travelling event that regularly stops in London, bringing dozens of employers together under one roof.
Industry-specific fairs: Hospitality, construction, film & TV – you’ll often find niche events on Eventbrite or through local councils and colleges.
University & college career fairs: Some are open to the public, so it’s worth checking local institutions like City and Islington or South Thames College.
Jobcentre Plus recruitment days: Many London Jobcentres host employer sessions and local hiring drives – ask your Work Coach for details.
Quick tips: Dress smart casual, bring a few copies of your CV (or even better, your Rodeo Profile), and be ready to introduce yourself. At worst, you’ll get interview practice; at best, you’ll come away with some follow ups.
Networking & Community Connections
Networking isn’t just for the suits. London has groups and meetups that make it easy to connect with people:
Professional associations: From hospitality mixers to IT meetups, these gatherings can help you build useful contacts.
Meetup.com or Luma: Search for job seeker or industry-specific meetups – tech, hospitality, creative fields, and more.
Community job clubs: Many boroughs host weekly job clubs in libraries or community centres, offering advice and peer support.
Online groups: Facebook and Reddit communities (like r/UKJobs or “London Jobs” on Facebook) can be helpful, though always double-check opportunities.
Many jobs aren’t advertised publicly, so tapping into your network (or a friend's) can help you hear about roles first.
Applying On the Spot
It might feel old-fashioned, but walking into a shop, café, or pub with a CV still works. Many small businesses prefer to meet candidates face-to-face rather than sift through online applications. Look for “Staff Wanted” signs in windows, ask politely at non-peak times, and be ready with a short introduction about your experience.
Keep your eyes open. Job ads pop up in all sorts of places: posters in shop windows, signs on buses, even numbers on delivery vans.
Community Resources
London has a wide range of free support services for job seekers:
National Careers Service: Free one-to-one career guidance in person or over the phone.
Local councils & charities: Initiatives like Hackney Works or Newham Workplace provide targeted support. Youth-focused charities such as The Prince’s Trust run programmes that often lead directly to interviews.
Libraries: Many host job clubs, workshops, and provide computer access for applications.
Upskilling schemes: Councils and adult education centres often fund free or low-cost training in high-demand skills.
Jobcentre Plus: Free CV help, interview practice, job search support, and access to training.
The Best Online Job Boards & Platforms
London has thousands of online listings. The main platforms are:
Rodeo (obviously!) – Focused on helping hourly and flexible workers connect with jobs quickly.
Indeed – The largest UK job site focusing on quantity (but not quality), watch out for duplicate or outdated listings and beware of scams.
Totaljobs – Long-running, with plenty of listings across sectors.
Reed.co.uk – A mix of job board and recruitment agency.
LinkedIn – Better known for professional networking, but includes a growing number of hourly and entry-level roles.
Adzuna – Powers the government’s “Find a job” site, often less cluttered than others.
Specialist boards: For example, Caterer.com for hospitality, Otta for startups, Escape the City for purpose-driven work, and Guardian Jobs for media, charity, and public sector.
On any site, avoid listings that look vague or too good to be true. Stick with trusted platforms, and never hand over sensitive details before you’ve confirmed the employer is genuine.
London-Specific Job Resources
London has unique channels worth checking:
Government “Find a job” portal: Reliable and scam-free, though basic in design.
Local councils: Every borough posts jobs – from schools and libraries to admin and maintenance roles.
Mayor of London resources: Initiatives like the Good Work Standard highlight fair-paying employers.
Apprenticeships: Available to all ages, apprenticeships are paid training opportunities in sectors like construction, IT, and healthcare. Search via gov.uk.
Recruitment agencies: From big names like Reed, Adecco and Manpower to niche players in catering, warehouse, or admin roles. Free to register, though agencies take a cut from employers.
Civil Service Jobs & NHS Jobs: Large employers with structured career paths and benefits.
University & college job boards: Often open to alumni or local residents, with roles ranging from internships to full-time jobs.
Free and Low-Cost Training & Support
Upskilling can help you land better-paid work. London offers plenty of free or affordable options:
Free Courses for Jobs: Government-funded training in in-demand fields like IT, healthcare, and construction.
Skills Bootcamps: Short, intensive courses in coding, marketing, HGV driving and more, often ending with guaranteed interviews.
Adult education colleges: Low-cost or free employability and vocational training, particularly for low-income learners.
Jobcentre-funded training: Ask about vouchers for qualifications like CSCS, SIA, or forklift licenses.
Libraries & online learning: Access to LinkedIn Learning and other platforms via your local library.
Charities & mentoring: Organisations like The Prince’s Trust, Dress for Success, and Suited & Booted provide coaching and practical help for free.
Tips for Navigating London’s Job Market
Commute costs matter: A closer job can be worth more than a higher salary with a long commute. Check if employers offer season ticket loans.
Know your wage baseline: The legal minimum (as of 2025) is £12.21/hour, but the London Living Wage is £13.85/hour – a better benchmark for covering living costs.
Balance prestige vs. pay: Some industries (media, fashion) pay less than less “glamorous” roles in admin or logistics. Decide what matters most.
Know your rights: Paid holiday, sick pay, and fair treatment apply to all workers. ACAS offers free advice if you need help.
Avoid burnout: Job searching can be draining – take breaks and use London’s free events, parks, and museums to recharge.
Use London’s diversity: Cultural groups, alumni networks, and community associations can all be sources of leads.
Extra Resources Worth Knowing
National Careers Service: Free advice by phone or appointment.
JobHelp: Government-run site highlighting sectors currently hiring.
ACAS: Free, confidential advice on workplace rights (0300 123 1100).
Citizens Advice: Employment, benefits, housing and legal support.
Workers’ rights groups: Charities and unions offering support in disputes.
Childcare support: Universal Credit can cover childcare costs while you work or train.
Wellbeing support: NHS IAPT services offer free mental health help, and libraries or GPs can connect you with local services.
Next Steps: Your Action Plan
Set priorities: Pay, location, hours, progression – decide what matters to you.
Pick your channels: Combine one or two in-person approaches with one or two online platforms.
Update your CV & profiles: Make sure they reflect your current skills and availability.
Tap your network: From family and friends to online communities.
Get support: Use free services to strengthen your CV, practice interviews, or access training.
Stay consistent: Rejection happens, but persistence pays off in London’s huge job market.
With the right mix of in-person effort, smart use of online tools, and a bit of persistence, you’ll find a role that fits your needs. London is competitive, but it’s also full of opportunities – and now you know where to look.
Date
Aug 18, 2025
Author
Alfie Pearce-Higgins
Category
Guide
Guide
