Top Tips to end Youth Unemployment
One of the reasons why there are record numbers of youth unemployed is because young people have no idea how to sell themselves in an interview situation. They are unaware of the value they can bring companies as they are constantly hearing the words from employers that they want experience only. The recession has meant that there is now a significantly larger proportion of experienced people on the market.
It is my belief that young people, given access to the right training can add as much value as experienced and seasoned professionals and it is important that we build up the confidence of our youth today so they can start selling their value in interview situations.
So how can Young people start selling themselves against these candidates with experience?
Here are my top 5 tips:
- Experience is great and very valuable if it is found in a person with a proven track record of success and a positive attitude. However, as a result of the current market, many experienced people have now found themselves on the job market and are upset and angry with their situation. This negative energy will be transferred from one job to another and they will want to be paid the salaries they were on before from a new company for the privilege. A young person can enter a company with no negative pre-conceptions and bad habits formed from previous experience meaning the company can mould them into the way they would like. This positive beginning and positive energy is crucial for business success.
- As mentioned in point 1 experienced people require a lot of money when beginning a new job. They have more commitments. They may be married, have kids, a mortgage etc. The benefit of a company hiring a young person is that they are often free from such commitments and are therefore a much more affordable solution, especially in this current marketplace.
- Young people have been introduced to different technologies at a more rapid rate than experienced people. This means that they can adapt to change more quickly, can assimilate information faster and can bring an organisation to the forefront of their industry more quickly.
- If you have been to University or just finished school/college, then you are in learning mode. Most experienced people quit their quest to learn a long time ago. Their ego may have got in the way and a ‘I know it all’ attitude has formed. Young people are used to learning and can therefore assimilate a company’s product line very quickly and pick up how to do tasks quickly and easily.
- Young people have been more exposed to social media, which is a powerful marketing tool for most companies and a very valuable asset. They also know how to communicate to a younger audience, which again is a valuable asset for an organisation.
The biggest resistance most employers have with taking on young people is the amount of time they will have to spend training them on the skills they need. They rely on experienced people to just come in and get the job done! I advise any young people to undertake the following prior to any interview:
- Work shadow or intern with somebody who is doing your desired job right now, so you have some level of understanding and prior experience to bring to an interview
- Research the company you are meeting with. The research should centre on what their growth objectives are? How they intend to grow? What are their best products/services? And then compile a SWOT analysis for the company and write how you want to help them become a market leader and the value you can bring
- Demonstrate that you are a quick learner. Think of examples and have them ready to introduce in an interview. The examples you use are your ‘selling points’.
For more information on how to sell yourself in an interview and about The Apprentice Project ‘Career Coaching’ services or email [email protected]
Written By Emma Vites @emmavites @apprenticepro
Copyright © 2019 Emma Vites
