A-level playing field

With reports claiming that one in five teenagers could be receiving unemployment benefits by the time they are 21, school-leavers who will be looking for work following their results need to give themselves the best possible chance of entering the jobs market.

REC (the professional body for the UK staffing industry) has outlined some key pieces of practical advice for school-leavers to help them get into the jobs market which include being flexible, building up their CV with personal and work-related achievements and being prepared to ‘hustle’ to get opportunities in this competitive environment.

For those entering higher education, it is equally crucial to keep an eye on future job prospects by complementing their academic studies with work-related experiences over the next few years.

Commenting on the overall outlook for school-leavers on the back of this week’s A Level results, Kevin Green, REC CEO said: “School -leavers are entering the jobs market at one of the bleakest times that we have seen in many years. However, the feedback from professional recruiters is that there are still opportunities for those seeking to get a foot on the career ladder.

"Temporary work and internships can provide the first step into the world of work and help to build up the practical skills that can make a real difference in an extremely competitive jobs market. School leavers choosing to go on to higher education should supplement their studies with practical work experience in order to be in as strong a position as possible when it comes to kick-starting their professional lives. For those planning to jump straight into the jobs market, flexibility and persistence will be vital. A carefully thought through and typo-free CV is a good start and young job-seekers will need to demonstrate the life skills and attitudes that employers are looking for.

More detailed information on the REC’s eight-point plan for new job seekers can be found at:
http://www.rec.uk.com/press/news/751

Gareth