Youth Unemployment at 14%: What Might be Holding Them Back from Landing a Career
Toronto, ON. – Youth unemployment is currently sitting at 14% in Canada, which is more than double the national average. Contributing to the lack of available jobs is the fact that many baby boomers are delaying retirement, adding competition for young workers.
With competition stronger than ever in the working world, young Canadians need to ensure they are utilizing every resource available to land a career. The highest number of candidates at recent job fairs, held by TorontoJobs.ca, showed more than 50% of job seekers were new graduates. In light of these demographics, TorontoJobs.ca has compiled a list of the top 10 things that might be holding a new grad back from landing their career.
1. Sitting idly by. Job seekers, young or old, cannot sit back and expect a career to land in their laps. New grads need to be proactive in their search and utilize social media, networking and online resources – looking for a career is a job in itself.
2. Relying solely on the internet. Young job seekers need to find a way to make themselves stand out in their job search, whether it be through networking or volunteering in their field. Investing too much of a job search on the internet can return little results. While job boards are important tools, new grads need to find a way to think outside of the box.
3. Networking with only family and friends. While family and friends may offer a lot of networking possibilities, it is important to branch out, attend networking events and approach casual acquaintances. The sky is the limit when it comes to networking, so don’t be shy!
4. Sending generic resumes. Always tailor resumes to each individual position. In order to stand out from the hundreds of resumes HR departments receive for each position, it is important to make a strong statement. A resume should be used as an effective marketing tool in portraying why you would be perfect for the position.
5. Leaving a trail of digital dirt. Many recruiters look into applicants online profiles, so it is imperative to come across as the ideal candidate when that search happens. Use social media to create a professional profile rather than a slideshow of drunk and unappealing photos.
6. Failing to follow up. Sending hundreds of resumes out online may eventually lead to a job, but to remain proactive while searching for a career, be sure to follow up with applications by phone or in person.
7. Having high expectations. Young job seekers often expect to obtain the perfect job, a high salary and great benefits right off the bat. Job seekers need to focus more on the experience they will get from a position rather than how much it pays.
8. Appearing unprofessional. Job seekers need to remember to dress the part when interviewing for a position – just because something is in style, doesn’t always mean that is appropriate for an interview. Another potential way that job seekers come off as unprofessional is having a casual voicemail message on any distributed contact numbers.
9. Not being serious in interviews. Regardless of the position, interviews need to be taken seriously and candidates need to make sure that they are prepared for any questions that may be asked. Job seekers young and old always need to practice and review potential interview questions, so they don’t appear to be caught off guard.
10. Wasting time on the wrong job. Many young job seekers might not know exactly what they want to do/be. It is important to gain focus and not only apply to careers that are lucrative or sound fun. Job seekers need to examine the skill set they have and try to match it up with a career. Leave the fun job searches for after you are gainfully employed or volunteer with these companies in your free time.
Young Canadians need to ensure they are using every available resource in order to gain entry into the workforce, while staying positive in their search.
Please feel free to re-print this article giving credit to TorontoJobs.ca. If you have any questions please email marc.belaiche@torontojobs.ca or call (905) 566-5627 Ext. 2873.