How to find jobs

There are lots of ways to find jobs and actively seek out new employment. You can use job sites, recruitment agencies, social media, networking or speculatively send your CV/ portfolio directly to organisations you’d like to work for. Finding jobs in the creative industries can sometimes take time and become a project in its own right. Here are some top tips to help you find jobs.

Job sites

Jobs sites, also known as jobs boards, list vacancies. They allow you to set up job alerts and apply for positions directly. Some job sites store your CV and cover letter to make it easier to apply for jobs. Try to find jobs boards specific to your area of creative practice.

Download the PDF on this page featuring a comprehensive list of specialist jobs boards for a range of subject areas related to the creative industries: Creative Industries Job Board List (PDF 230KB)

Recruitment agencies

There are many recruitment agencies specialising in the creative industries, including media, fashion and digital.

• Look at their websites and get a feel for the kind of opportunities they advertise.
• Research which agencies would be a good match for your experience and goals.
• Contact the agency directly.
• If you are the right fit, agencies will keep you on their books and contact you with appropriate opportunities.

Using social media to find jobs

Using social media can help you in your job search. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Instagram are social media channels frequently used by employers to promote job vacancies. Social media can also help you with long-term career goals by enabling you to network, promote yourself and connect with individuals and organisations. Larger employers often have dedicated Twitter handles for job vacancies.

• Follow companies and agencies on social media as they often post job opportunities.
• Engage with them, tag other people and post appropriate related content.
• It is important to remember that using social media in a professional capacity to raise your profile means you need to present an engaging and professional persona.
• Think about your profile details and make sure they communicate who you are and what kind of work you are looking for.
• Make sure your profile picture is appropriate.
• Learn about specific industry developments and types of vacancies available in select organisations.
• Proactively target and connect with people and companies you would like to work with in future.
• Promote yourself and enhance your online profile with samples of work, images and links to your portfolio.

Job seeking if you are disabled

It’s against the law for employers to discriminate against disabled people and employers have a legal obligation to make reasonable adjustments to both the recruitment process as well as the workplace to ensure disabled people are not disadvantaged.

Read more about applying for jobs if you have a disability in CE links to resources for disabled students (PDF 210KB)

Disability support

Find out more about UAL's student disability service.

Useful links

• Creative Opportunities - UAL’s in house recruitment agency matches UAL students and graduates with employers in the creative industries.
• ArtsTemps - UAL's in-house temping agency
• Creative Industries Job Board List (PDF 230KB)
• Job Hunting Learning guide (PDF 162KB)
• Prospects Job Advice
• LinkedIn Jobs Advice‌
• Graduate Recruitment Bureau Advice
• Networking and self-promotion

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