\n\tThe Story of a 2020 Graduate<\/u><\/p>\n
\n\tAccording to Reed.co.uk, between March and June 2020, there were over 500,000 graduate candidates with only 348 graduate jobs posted in the month of June. The pool of Reed\u2019s graduate candidates has grown by 9% from the last year, all fighting for recruiter\u2019s attention. The BBC reported that in the last three months 2.6 million people have claimed out-of-work benefits, giving an indication that due to the COVID-19 virus, already 2.6 million have lost their jobs. With the furlough scheme ending in October, it is highly likely that there will be a second wave of unemployment in the Autumn. So, it is time to act now.<\/p>\n
\n\tMy name is Charlotte, and I am a graduate of 2020. Since April I have been job searching, and after applying for over 75 graduate jobs, internships, even voluntary positions, am still struggling to find a permanent, full-time position. After studying Fashion Media and Promotion at the University for the Creative Arts and achieving a 1st<\/sup> Class Honours degree, I am currently working two part time jobs, trying to build a career in social media, content creation and marketing. However, time after time I am knocked down because I don\u2019t have enough experience. Despite having four different and strong work experiences on my CV, they have always been internships or temporary work during holidays. I lack the years of experience companies so desire\u2026 even for graduates! And with 15% of the population predicted to be unemployed due to the pandemic, according to James Reed (the Boss of Reed Recruitment), the struggle for graduates is even greater, as job vacancies will have considerably more applicants, each with years of experience over graduates.<\/p>\n \n\tSo what can the Class of 2020 do to stand out and avoid becoming another unemployment statistic?<\/p>\n \n\tThere are<\/em> things you can do to build your experience. It may not be ideal to start off working for nothing, but experience is key when it comes to finding a permanent role. Recruiters look to see what you\u2019ve been doing since graduating and showing that you have been proactive in volunteering or interning will show adaptability, enthusiasm and a general passion for your career. Volunteering or interning will not only give you valuable experience and keep you occupied, but it will also allow you to develop your skills and could possibly lead to a paid, or permanent position. Networks are key when it comes to job hunting.<\/p>\n \n\tI have been lucky that in applying for a role through Jackson Barnes, I was able to secure some work experience with Helen. Actively job hunting involves taking every opportunity that comes your way and not being afraid to push out of your comfort zone to get networks and experience.<\/p>\n \n\tJob interviews are as much about you interviewing the company and seeing if you would want to work there as it is them interviewing your suitability for the role. One of my first \u2018zoom\u2019 interviews was for a marketing role which very quickly appeared to be something else. I was promised a 6-figure salary within 6 months and I realised it was a pyramid scheme\u2013 not the role I had thought I\u2019d applied for. But job hunting is a learning curve, and it is perfectly ok to turn down a role which doesn\u2019t fit the bill.<\/p>\n \n\tTo aid people on furlough, the government have given access to many online courses for free. This is another way to further progress your career whilst still job hunting. You can add this to your CV\/ LinkedIn to show you\u2019re still actively learning and progressing. Have you considered a panic-masters degree? An extra year of education might give you an advantage over other applicants next year, especially if you have a very specific career path in mind.<\/p>\n \n\tTeacher training is also a path to consider. You will learn a wealth of new skills which will be completely transferable and it is a very rewarding career: we will always need teachers.<\/p>\n \n\tEarly in July, the government released plans for a \u2018kickstart\u2019 scheme to get 18-24 year olds into work with a \u00a32 billion budget to create jobs for young people. Chancellor Rishi Sunak states that the scheme \u201cis aimed at preventing an entire generation being \u201cleft behind\u201d. If the scheme goes ahead, the fund will \u201csubsidise six-month work placements for people on Universal Credit aged between 16-24, who are at risk of long-term unemployment\u201d. Which is another key point, there is no shame in applying for Universal Credit to financially help you – in fact, the \u2018Kickstart\u2019 scheme requires you to be receiving Universal Credit to be accepted. \u201cThe scheme will open for applications in August\u201d, so you have a few weeks to look into the scheme some further and make sure you qualify. Overall, the government said, it would allow young people \u201cthe opportunity to build their skills in the workplace, and to gain experience that will improve their chances of going on to find long-term sustainable work.\u201d Another way of gaining invaluable experience to make you stand out above other candidates.<\/p>\n \n\tTwelve years ago, the graduates on 2008 faced very similar challenges to us when much of the world faced recession. The BBC asked graduates from the class of 2008 to share some of their job-hunting advice with graduates from 2020. Scott Wilson-Laing\u2019s advice was \u201cstay positive, all work experience matters.\u201d Harriet Nicholson said, \u201cDon\u2019t dismiss non-graduate jobs\u201d, she worked as a receptionist when she couldn\u2019t get onto any graduate schemes and found her feet through an internship with Oxfam which then led to her achieving a master\u2019s degree. This just shows that you can still reach your career goals, even if it takes a little longer to get there.<\/p>\n \n\tI am now working in a pub and I believe I am incredibly lucky to have a job. One of my friends is doing a \u2018panic masters\u2019, one who studied physiotherapy is working in a hospital, and all the rest? Either unemployed or taking any work they can find, care homes, shops, pubs. This might not be where you thought you\u2019d end up after a three-year degree, but it is easier to get a job, when you a have a job. You just have to make sure you still find the time to job hunt and keep positive.<\/p>\n \n\tNo experience is bad experience either. I am now doing the social media for the pub I am working in, just to keep my skills current and to do something I enjoy. It also shows that you can be proactive and make the most of any situation. Part time jobs don\u2019t have to be seen as a failure to get a graduate job. They are what you make of them. Where is their head office? Could you progress in the company? A part time job shouldn\u2019t stand in the way of your career goals, you just have to find a way to make it relevant.<\/p>\n \n\tMy last piece of advice is that it is most important to take time away from job hunting. It can seem like an all-consuming challenge, especially if you have email alerts for new jobs switched on! But your mental health is key when it comes to performing your best. Take time out to have a walk, socialise with your friends, or even just have some alone time binge watching your favourite TV show. It can be demoralising applying for job after job and receiving rejections without any reason, which is why it is paramount that you mentally recharge so you can bounce back from rejections stronger than ever. I have found it increasingly depressing as I watch the months roll past and consider the time I have spent applying for jobs. But to find a job, you have to keep pushing on.<\/p>\n \n\tTake every bit of experience you can get and together we can get through this.<\/p>\n \n\tWe are the graduates of 2020, and in 10 years time we will be sharing our stories of success with others. We just have to keep positive and we will get there.<\/p>\n \n\t <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Story of a 2020 Graduate According to Reed.co.uk, between March and June 2020, there were over 500,000 graduate candidates with only 348 graduate jobs posted in the month of June. The pool of Reed\u2019s graduate candidates has grown by 9% from the last year, all fighting for recruiter\u2019s attention. 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