If you are unemployed, with no qualifications, no work experience and nowhere to turn don’t despair there are a number of actions that will lead you to the job of your dreams, but be prepared to make a few changes and break out of your mould.

When asked to provide advice to young unemployed South Africans, a group of human resources practioners, business owners and training providers shared their ideas on a social networking site called the Skills Universe. Here are some of the best tips offered by these industry professionals.

Start a small business

Start a car wash to raise funds for pocket money. It might seem like a waste of time but every endeavor will add to your work and life experience and make you more marketable and employable.

Volunteer

Participate in a community project, or volunteer your time and energy to a worthy cause.This may be one of the more unappealing options as volunteering generally means little or no payment, but you are sure to receive a reward. The reward may not be monetary or immediate, but offering your services to helping others always brings a return and the effort you put in now may pave the way to your dream job.

Network

Talk to everybody in your social circles. Let your contacts know that you are seeking employment. Connect with people who are in the industry you are interested in and find out more about what you need to be a success.

Learn a new skill

Start a new hobby. Get involved in activities that will push you out of your comfort zone and teach you new skills. Find out what skills you will need to be effective in the business world, or in your chosen industry and set your mind to equipping yourself with those skills.

Take responsibility

Don’t wait for someone else to provide a job opportunity. Look around, do research and find out where you could be useful. Recognize your assets; your health, time, education (what you learned at school) and life experience as well as your trusted relationships. Think about the value that you can bring to the world and find a place to contribute to it.

According to working professionals young people who apply these principles will be recognized for their initiative. Employers and personnel practitioners will be impressed by their tenacity and dedication to pursuing a career.

Here are some more words of advice and encouragement from members of the Skills Universe;

‘My advice is youth must not let unemployment become a disease or let it take over their mind...they must strive to be bigger than the unemployment.’

‘Grab every opportunity that comes your way, whether it's work or training. This will give you the confidence to tackle jobs you might think you're not capable of doing. Things unfortunately are not going to fall in your lap. Get together with your friends and perhaps older mentors (teachers etc) and brainstorm ideas of how you an make money. Just keep busy and enthusiastic.’

‘The options are endless and no unemployed should be doing 'nothing'…doing volunteer work provides experience and skills development. Another important action is to ensure that employment agencies 'know' about you and that your skills are 'out there'. Many large corporations offer a variety of internships to interested youth. To demand jobs, will not solve anything and definitely not contribute to 'economic freedom’.

For more practical suggestions and insight visit the Skills-Universe forum discussion, How would you advise unemployed youth?

By Cindy Payle

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