Looking for a job – a job in itself?

By: Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader

Tuesday 30 October 2012

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A new report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation has highlighted the huge task faced by young unemployed people looking for work and has reinforced the need for rigorous preparation and active job search, in order to be successful.

The research was carried out across 3 UK cities, one with a weak supply of jobs, one with a better supply and one in-between. Researchers sent 2,000 job applications from fictional learners with at least 5 good GCSEs and relevant work experience to 667 real vacancies (sales assistants, cleaners, office administrators and kitchen hands).

Shockingly, over two-thirds of applications (69%) received no response at all. 78% of the potential jobs offered a low wage of under £7 an hour and only 24% of the vacancies offered full-time, daytime work.

The research found that even in the stronger labour market, there were 24 unemployed people going for each retail vacancy available through Jobcentre Plus, and 50 for each office vacancy. In the weaker area, the figures were 66 and 44 respectively.

It’s interesting to note in the report that young people have responded to repeat job rejection by volunteering and improving their qualifications.

At NCFE, we offer a range of employability related qualifications, including a suite of Job Search and Interview Skills qualifications which equip students with the skills, and mindset, to find and secure the right job for them.

What do you think? How can we ensure that young people are able to edge ahead of the intense competition and avoid the de-motivation that comes with rejection?

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Authors

Lindsay Plumpton

Communications Leader
96 posts
David Grailey

Chief Executive
79 posts
Andrew Gladstone-Heighton

Policy Leader
75 posts
Esme Winch

Managing Director
35 posts
Michael Lemin

Policy and Research Manager
25 posts

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