Surviving Youth Unemployment

So just how can millenials bridge the gap from student to employee without tumbling into the void of unemployment?

According to Rasheeda Wright, Co-op Career Counselor at Carleton University, one of the most important things millenials must remember is that today’s workplace environment is in many ways very different from that of baby boomers.

“Work and the way that people look for work has changed – younger workers becoming more savvy to that idea and looking at the tools now being used is necessary.” she says.

Sixty years ago, it was possible for segments of the population to become employed immediately upon exiting high school, and maintain the same job for several decades. Wright says the days of settling into a long-term career are becoming increasingly numbered in 2013.

Rather, she says, employment opportunities have become more “ebb and flow” in nature. Jobs that were once necessary have been replaced with technology. Further, older employees remaining in the workforce for longer periods of time has meant less long-term opportunities for newer employees. Consequently, new applicants are now typically awarded jobs on a contract basis.

Taking these factors into consideration, it’s important not to get discouraged at the seemingly unstable employment prospects ahead. Contrary to the rigid career paths once followed by our parents, the ever-changing nature of today’s economy has meant that millennial workers are more flexible, civic-minded, and able to create change than their older counterparts.

That unwavering flexibility and resourcefulness when conducting a job search and while building your resume will ultimately make you stand out amongst your peers, says Wright.

“It’s important to gain experience in whatever way possible,” she says. “Start thinking about career stuff as soon as possible. As much as possible, try to start thinking about ‘What do I like? What do I like doing?’”

One of the biggest difficulties facing young job seekers is the increasing number of qualifications required to apply for most jobs – degrees, experience, volunteer work, etc. – whereas it was not uncommon to settle into a position in the past with little or no education.

That being said, Wright says the best thing you can do if you are under-qualified for that dream job is to get as much experience as you can – even if that means not getting paid.

With youth unemployment sitting at almost double the national average, making the most of volunteer and internship opportunities puts you at an advantage in the application process, allows for networking opportunities and will help you better gauge your own interests.

Translating your passion into a workplace skill or qualification is another crucial way to ensure millenials are making the most out of the job application process and securing the jobs they desire. The biggest issue amongst unsuccessful applicants and volunteers at Sunnybrook, Reddick says, is a lack of career focus.