Feel like a graduate failure? Losing your confidence?
In an article I read recently it stated that in January 2016 youth unemployment rates was at 13.7%. That equates to about 848,000 young people. The City and Guilds group and Business in the Community surveyed 4,000 18 – 24 year olds across the UK asking them about their experience of getting into work. 1 in 3 young people found the process of applying for jobs difficult. Of those that found it difficult 44% ended up losing confidence.
I was at a business meeting today (27/10/16) in High Wycombe. After I had shared what my business was about and the above information a member of the group I was with shared a story about a student who had their degree, completed their masters and was working part time in a coffee shop. Although the student was actively looking for a job, in their field, they were finding it very difficult and was slowly losing their confidence and feeling a failure.
Without more information it was difficult for me to give some clear suggestions. However, I talked about suggesting they take on some volunteering activities and in particular in the area or industry they were looking to secure a role in. This would help them gain some real experience. The skills developed may be transferable and can be included on the CV.
It may be they will need to do some research to identify companies in the industries they are keen to get into and find out who the key people are and take a direct approach by calling or writing a letter. All is not lost and it is possible to secure a role.
Securing the help of a Career Coach will help review strategies already employed and then hone the skills required to improve CV and performance at interview and provide support to keep energy and motivation high through challenging periods.
