Recently graduated - what’s the next step?
UK Graduate Recruitment Crisis
Clearly, we are living in very difficult times – so much of our “normal” life has changed. Sadly, CV19 comes with huge personal cost and it has also hit the economy’ badly impacting on the number of roles available to recent Grads, and young people in general. According to the CIPD, the Corona class of 2020’s employment prospects are “crumbling”.
Recent reports make for grim reading
· Just under 30% of firms have revised their plans and will hire fewer Grads
· A similar proportion of SME’s – where c. 34% of Grads work – have reduced their recruitment
· Non-Grad youth recruitment is likely to be scaled back by nearly a quarter of employers
· Most sectors are expected to be hit
· Work prospects for young people will be scarred for years with lower pay and prospects hitting hard
Approaching an employment cliff edge…be positive and proactive
Graduating or leaving College in this pandemic may have taken away some important opportunities. However, getting a career started in this market is not impossible. Whilst it’s a rapidly evolving situation there are steps you can take to improve your chances.
· Keep using your College or Uni career support and guidance services – you may not be there is person, but the resources and staff are!
· Use your lockdown time smartly. Netflix and BBQ’s are great, but won’t help you get that first role, so be proactive:
1/ Use this time to develop your work skills, and learn new ones
2/ Is your LinkedIn profile up to date and relevant? If not, work on it
3/ Think outside the box to get work experience Eg. contact charities and offer your services
4/ Use niche job boards rather the main (and obvious!) ones
5/ Call in a favour from your family and friends – networking works!
· Plan for online interviews and assessments – they are very different from being there in person. Professional interview coaching makes a big difference. And could make all the difference!
Above all, be positive and proactive. Easy words to say, but your actions will make that difference. If you require interview coaching contact me.