Keswick, a picturesque town nestled within the Lake District, may seem like a place to unwind, but it's also home to a thriving job market with plenty of opportunities across a range of industries. Whether you’re new to the area, considering a career change, or looking to settle in this beautiful part of the world, finding a job in Keswick can be both rewarding and fulfilling. In this guide, we’ll walk you through some practical steps to help you navigate the local job market and secure a position that suits your skills and interests.
1. Understand Keswick’s Key Industries
Keswick’s economy is shaped by its stunning natural surroundings, with tourism, outdoor adventure, retail, and hospitality taking centre stage. Before you dive into your job search, it’s important to understand which sectors are thriving in the area.
- Tourism and Hospitality: As a popular tourist destination, Keswick is home to many hotels, B&Bs, cafes, and outdoor activity providers. Jobs in this sector are abundant, especially during peak seasons like summer and Christmas.
- Outdoor Adventure: Keswick is an outdoor enthusiast's dream, with opportunities in guiding, outdoor education, and adventure sports. Local adventure companies and outdoor shops frequently need staff with expertise in activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports.
- Retail and Crafts: Keswick’s high street is dotted with independent retailers, ranging from outdoor equipment stores to art galleries and local craft shops. These businesses often need shop assistants, managers, and curators.
- Healthcare and Education: With a growing local population and more families settling in Keswick, there are always opportunities in healthcare and education, whether in schools, nurseries, or local medical practices.
Having a clear idea of the sectors that dominate Keswick will help you focus your job search and identify where you can apply your skills most effectively.
2. Start with Local Businesses
One of the best ways to find a job in Keswick is to approach local businesses directly. Many small businesses and independent retailers in the town may not advertise positions online but are always on the lookout for new talent. Whether you’re interested in hospitality, retail, or outdoor adventure, consider walking into shops, restaurants, or activity centres and asking about potential job openings.
Tip: When approaching a business in person, make sure to bring an up-to-date CV and a friendly attitude. Express your interest in working locally and show that you are genuinely excited about joining the Keswick community. This proactive approach can often help you land interviews before a job is even officially listed.
3. Leverage Your Local Network
In a small town like Keswick, word of mouth is incredibly powerful. Building connections within the local community can often lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised elsewhere. Networking is key, and there are plenty of ways to meet people and start forming those important local connections.
How to Network in Keswick:
- Join Local Groups and Societies: There are various groups and organisations in Keswick that cater to a range of interests. Whether it’s hiking clubs, local volunteering opportunities, or business networking groups, joining these will help you meet people and learn about job openings through personal connections.
- Attend Local Events: Keep an eye on community events, such as local festivals, markets, or business networking meetups. Events like the Keswick Mountain Festival or charity fundraisers are great places to meet people from different industries and learn about the town's job opportunities.
- Engage with Locals on Social Media: Social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn are increasingly used to share job openings and community news. Join local Keswick groups and contribute to conversations; it’s a good way to get noticed and find out about opportunities through local channels.
4. Explore Seasonal and Temporary Work
Keswick experiences a significant influx of tourists, particularly during the warmer months. As a result, there is a regular need for seasonal staff, especially in hospitality and outdoor activities. These roles can be an excellent starting point if you’re new to the area, as they offer the chance to gain local work experience and potentially transition into a permanent position.
Common Seasonal Jobs in Keswick:
- Tourism and Hospitality: Hotels, B&Bs, cafes, and restaurants often look for extra help during busy periods. Positions such as waiting staff, baristas, cleaners, and front-of-house staff are regularly in demand.
- Outdoor Adventure: Many outdoor companies need seasonal instructors, guides, and activity assistants to help with hiking, kayaking, or mountain biking tours.
- Retail: The town’s shops, particularly those catering to tourists, often require extra staff during peak seasons.
Seasonal jobs are not only a good way to get your foot in the door, but they also allow you to explore different industries and roles while enjoying the beauty of the area.
5. Develop Skills That Align with Keswick’s Demands
If you’re finding it difficult to secure a job, it might be worth considering additional training or certifications that can improve your employability in Keswick’s key sectors. There are various courses available locally or online that can help you build skills in areas such as:
- Outdoor Adventure and Guiding: If you’re interested in outdoor roles, consider gaining certifications in activities like mountain biking, kayaking, or rock climbing. The Keswick Outdoor Education Centre and local organisations may offer training courses for aspiring outdoor instructors.
- Hospitality and Customer Service: If you’re keen on working in hospitality, gaining qualifications in food safety, first aid, or customer service can make you a more attractive candidate. Many hospitality businesses will also offer on-the-job training for entry-level positions.
- Retail and Sales: Courses in retail management or visual merchandising could help you land a position in one of the town’s many independent shops. Even if you don’t have experience, demonstrating a willingness to learn and grow can set you apart.
Investing in skills that are in demand in Keswick will make you a more competitive candidate and increase your chances of finding a job.
6. Prepare for Life in a Small Town
Living and working in Keswick is a unique experience, and employers in the area may value qualities such as community involvement, adaptability, and a genuine interest in the outdoors. When applying for jobs, make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for living in Keswick and your commitment to becoming a part of the local community.
Things to Consider:
- Commitment to the Area: Employers in Keswick often prefer candidates who are genuinely interested in staying long-term. Whether you’re relocating from elsewhere or moving within the UK, showing that you’re committed to life in Keswick can be a big plus.
- Interest in Outdoor Activities: If you’re applying for a job in tourism, hospitality, or outdoor adventure, a passion for the Lake District’s outdoor activities will demonstrate that you’re a great fit for the local culture. Employers often appreciate staff who can share their knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors.
7. Be Persistent and Flexible
Finally, it’s important to stay persistent and flexible during your job search in Keswick. The town may not have the volume of job listings that larger cities do, but with a bit of patience and a proactive approach, you can find the right role for you. If you don’t land your dream job right away, don’t be discouraged—consider temporary, part-time, or freelance roles to build experience and get your foot in the door.
Final Thoughts
Finding a job in Keswick might take a little more effort than in larger cities, but the rewards are well worth it. By understanding the local job market, networking within the community, and tailoring your approach to the industries that thrive in the town, you’ll be well on your way to landing a fulfilling position. The key is to stay open to different opportunities, keep learning new skills, and be patient as you settle into life in this beautiful part of the Lake District. With the right mindset and a bit of persistence, you’ll find your perfect role in Keswick in no time.