You don’t have to be perfect and do everything. It is less stressful and more useful to picture yourself taking small steps forward in life.
Create realistic SMART goals
You can set yourself SMART goals. These are achievable goals you can work towards. If you have big goals that seem impossible, you can use SMART goals to break them down into small achievable steps. If you don’t have any goals yet, SMART goals can help you think of something positive you can start working towards. It always helps to feel like you are taking control.
Why is trying your best better than perfect?
Employers don’t expect you to be perfect. They want to know you are ready to try.
When you try new things, you can discover new skills, strengths and experiences you might not have thought about before.
When you try, you can practise and get better at doing something new over time until it feels familiar.
When you try, you don’t put pressure on yourself to be perfect.
When you try, you can do work that helps your team mates and other people in your organisation. Sometimes it feels good to help others and it can boost your feelings of self-belief.
Trying new things can be enjoyable and help your personal confidence.
Discover Youth Friendly Employers
ABP Foods
Apprenticeships, graduate schemes and an AMAZING early careers academy in the world of sustainable foodEXPLORECareers in Eyecare
From healthcare lab to high street fashion - you don't need a degree to open your eyes to eyecare careersEXPLOREAspiration Training
Traineeships & Apprenticeships in childcare, dental nursing, teaching, health/social care, and business adminEXPLORECareers in Racing
Horse racing is a great career choice! British Racing is the 2nd largest spectator sport after football. EXPLORECatch22 Youth Services
Want to overcome barriers in life, whatever your background? Want employers to give you a chance? We can help.EXPLORECoach Core Apprenticeships
See how Coach Core Apprenticeships get you into sport careersEXPLORECoca-Cola EuroPacific
Want to work for one of the most well-known brands in the world? They work hard to develop their young people!EXPLOREEnvironment Agency Careers
Our work helps to protect and improve the environment to make it a better place for people and wildlife. Join us!EXPLOREEssex Youth Service
Aged 13-25 and live in Essex? Get involved in fun activities, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award and online Plan B Traineeships.EXPLOREGeneration: Free Skills Training
Get FREE skills and careers training today! Generation gives you skills and connects you with employers to find a job fast.EXPLOREGet Into Teaching
You can get a teaching degree for FREE with apprenticeships!EXPLOREHeidelberg Materials
Play to your strengths. Travel the world - if you want to. Work with people, money, sales, or technical skills!EXPLOREHaven
Joining Haven is more than just a job. Our early careers are a breath of fresh air!EXPLOREHistoric England
Discover early careers in heritage for all backgrounds, skills and interests.EXPLOREIHG Early Careers
Discover how you can grow your career in hospitality!EXPLOREWorking in local government
Local government touches everyone's lives every dayEXPLOREMartin Brower Careers
Break into business, admin and supply careers with Martin Brower. Don't settle for the status quo.EXPLOREMcDonald's Early Careers
You probably knew you can get McDonald's Apprenticeships. Did you know you can also study for a FREE Management Degree?EXPLORENCFE Vocational Qualifications
Young people get amazing perks when they work for the NCFE, with apprenticeships and more. The training is great, too.EXPLOREPret Apprenticeships & Careers
When you apply for a Pret Apprenticeship or junior role, you’ll belong to a community of achievers. Get support on your own unique career journey!EXPLOREPrezzo Restaurant Careers
Prezzo offers so many early careers, from cooking great food and giving great customer service to managing like a boss!EXPLORERed Carnation Hotels
Have fun at work with internships, degree apprenticeships and management schemes when you join Red Carnation Hotels.EXPLORERoyal Air Force
There’s nothing like a career in the RAF, it’s not just a job but a way of living.EXPLORESevern Trent Careers
Discover opportunities for apprentices, graduates and undergraduates in the office and beyond!EXPLORESodexo
Come and EXPLORE your career at Sodexo. See what amazing opportunities come about along the way.EXPLORESurrey County Council Careers
Thinking about rewarding apprenticeships and early careers in a diverse environment? Fire up your career with SCC! EXPLORETaylor & Francis Early Careers
Our international publishing company believes in doing things differently. You could be just what we need!EXPLOREThe British Library
Work experience, internships and apprenticeships with The British Library open up a WORLD of possibilities.EXPLOREVHR Technical Recruitment
The VHR talent academy can help you get into a successful technical recruitment career - with NO experience!EXPLORE
Youth Employment UK Membership is a strategic step for organisations of all sizes who want support and recognition for their commitment to creating quality early career opportunities in line with Good Youth Employment Standards.
As experts on youth employment and co-founders of the Youth Employment Group, we are ideally placed to understand the complex landscape facing young people, employers and policy makers.