Hmm, let me think. It's been a while.
First, use those random battle for the EXP & JP. You'll need it. In the early stages, you get the short end of the stick thanks to lots of guest. Try to have 5 members (including Ramza). Train the last one in random battles.
Now, what is importaint is try to focus on getting jobs. By getting a job to a certaion level you can unlock more. Also, focus on what will help your team. Get some good combinations. For your first two, Chemist and Squire get Throw Rock and Accumulate for the latter, and potion, eye drops, and antidote (the other status effects wont come for a while). A chemist or someone with Items is pretty good to have. Also, females make better magic jobs and males make better physical.
Also, the way your facing determines how easy it is to hit you. Always face towards your enemy. If you can, but your back to a wall. If there isn;t one, just try and face the most foes.
