What can I do to make my job applications stand out?
- Creative Careers Club
- Sep 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 29, 2025
We all know that it can take a while to land your first job in the creative industries, but how you use that time can definitely make a difference to your applications. In this Careers Clinic post, we're answering the question:
What are the most proactive things I can do while searching for a creative job, that may make make my application stand out?
When it comes to entry-level job applications in the creative industries, lots of the advice we give focuses on two things: showing that you have relevant skills, and showing that you have a genuine interest in the career you're applying for.
You can develop relevant skills even if you're working in a different kind of job to the one you're aiming to get – but the reality is that lots of other candidates will also be a good match when it comes to skills. So that means 'genuine interest' is somewhere you can potentially make a big impact and make your application stand out to prospective employers.
Communicating that you have a genuine interest in the career you're looking to start is about more than saying you've always wanted to do it, or that you have a passion for it. It's easy to say these things, but without evidence it's not necessarily going to convince. That's why you have to show not tell – you need to be able to talk about your interest and demonstrate it in a way that makes the employer see it for themselves. Your interest and enthusiasm should jump off the page and make them think that you're definitely someone they want to meet!
So this is where the proactivity mentioned in this Careers Clinic question kicks in – what could you be doing in your free time now, that helps you to show your enthusiasm and interest? Here are a few ideas...
volunteering at a local book festival, if you want to work in publishing
creating food content or restaurant reviews on social media, if you want to get into food writing
work shadowing at a local newspaper, if you want to get into journalism or PR
writing press releases for a local charity, if you want to get into PR or charity comms.
This is just a short list of ideas, so is far from exhaustive – and truly the best ideas will come from you, so that they're an authentic reflection of your interests, creativity, and the kind of career you’re aiming for.
I'd also recommend you start acting like you already work in the sector by engaging with news and perspectives shared by established professionals, and by attending networking events. For example you can:
read any trade media titles you can access online or in print
find and follow trade media and relevant voices on LinkedIn, to keep up with news and views
listening to podcasts from individuals who are active in the sector
join any organisations that provide insights into your chosen career path – many offer student memberships, or have free online resources
attend networking events that are relevant to your career path (see our creative networking events guide for some ideas of where to look).
Recommended next steps
Head over to our Discord server to see the latest entry-level and junior creative industry jobs.
Join the Creative Careers Club for £15 a year to access these courses that'll help you get your creative career started:
Got a question of your own? Ask our Careers Clinic here.