There are limited vacancies for entry-level positions into publishing, so keep a close eye on the national newspapers and specialist trade magazines for advertisements. Send speculative letters to personnel departments and utilise any contacts you make through the Diversity in Publishing Network.

The following agencies can be used by publishers:

Inspired Selection
http://www.inspiredselection.co.uk

Judy Fisher Associates
http://www.judyfisher.co.uk

Judy Farquharson
http://www.jflrecruit.com

Intelligent Resources
http://www.intelligentresources.com

Meridian Search and Selection
http://www.meridian-recruit.co.uk

Also look in:

The Bookseller
http://www.theBookseller.com

Publishing News
http://www.publishingnews.co.uk

The Guardian
http://www.jobsunlimited.com

'During the summer of my second year at university I secured a work experience placement at Macmillan. Whilst working there I found out about the Macmillan Graduate Training Scheme and so I applied for a place on the scheme before my Finals in 2002. I didn't make it onto the Graduate scheme, so I worked as a bookseller in a central London bookshop after graduating to gain an understanding of the retail side of the publishing industry. I applied to Pearson Education and to Macmillan again the following year. I was eventually accepted onto the Pearson Education training scheme in September 2003. The moral of the story folks? If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!- Priya Dutta