Young people lack the know-how for planning ahead and are aware that job hunting is a long and tough process, according to a new survey into Britain’s youth unemployment crisis.
The survey, conducted by recruitment company Adecco, revealed that of 16-24 year olds actively seeking work, on average they have applied for 11 jobs in the last 12 months but only secured two interviews. Within the same group one in ten haven’t secured a single interview.
The survey also revealed that a third (30 percent) of those in full time education expect it to take them up to six months or more to secure a full time job but that is not coming to fruition. With pressures of completing their studies, many are not actively seeking opportunities to gain practical work experience alongside their course which is setting them back even further when it comes to entering the job market after education.
With over a quarter of 16-24 year olds in full time education having never applied for a job, the number of young people completing their studies with little knowledge of how to enter the workplace. Two-fifths (40 percent) of young people believe they are ill-equipped to get a full time job due to lack of practical experience.
Adecco has launched its annual Way to Work initiative with the aims of tackling this issue by increasing young people’s confidence and knowledge on how to secure their first job.
Alex Fleming, Managing Director of Adecco, says:
“Our research shows that young people are not hitting the ground running when leaving school or university. Whilst they might feel confident in their studies, they do not feel they have the experience required to actually secure a job. It is clear there is a disconnect between the habits and views of young people and the current jobs market. At Adecco, we are committed to helping young people get off to the best possible start in their careers. We want to support them in thinking earlier about their options and provide them with the practical skills they need to succeed. Our Way to Work initiative aims to equip young people with the basics, to encourage them and empower them to apply for more, relevant jobs earlier, and to enter the interview process with confidence”.
On 26 March, 500 recruitment consultants from Adecco took to high streets, schools, colleges and universities to offer guidance and advice to young people who are looking to improve their CV and interview techniques or learn more about the job application process.
Amie Filcher is an editorial assistant at HRreview.
Good article, it tackles an issue I have seen in the recruitment industry of young people who are job seeking, from turning up to interview unprepared and inappropriately dressed, to not knowing how to use social media to find a job. Having spoken with an apprentice recently, they found their school’s advice on applying for university was excellent, but the advice on applying for work could have been better. Both schools and parents need to take a more active part in supporting young people in finding work; and accept the support of employers and recruiters to deliver job hunting advice.