Unemployment, what are the options?

There are thousands of unemployed people in the United Kingdom, but the government is trying to take steps to reduce the number of unemployed people. However, unemployed people must take some responsibility when it comes to find new jobs for themselves. If you are unemployed and searching for a new job, you should make sure that you are properly prepared, so that you have the best chance of being successful in your search for employment.

What Is Unemployment?

Unemployment is a term which is used when somebody is not in any form of paid work. The word “unemployed” is normally only used to describe those people who are actively seeking work. Children, pensioners and people who are unfit for work for medical reasons are not classified as unemployed.

What Do Unemployed People Need To Do?

Unemployed citizens in the United Kingdom are advised to register with Jobcentre Plus. Citizens are unable to claim any unemployment benefits (such as Jobseekers’ Allowance) if they are not registered. Registering as unemployed also alerts HMRC, so that your state pension contributions will not be affected. Once registered, you will be given an interview with a Jobcentre Plus advisor.

Steps To Gaining Employment

In order to gain employment, you will need to consider your skill set and think about your professional interests. If you have a specific job in mind, you should research the role and see whether you have the necessary qualifications and experiences. You may need to retrain or get additional qualifications before you apply for certain jobs.

Once you understand more about the types of jobs that you could apply for, you can start to look for vacancies. If you make a successful application, you may be invited for an interview or for a trial period.

Is Work Experience Essential?

Work experience is not essential for gaining entry level employment, if you can show that you are willing to work hard and follow instructions. Some job roles expect people to train whilst they are on the job. However, work experience can help to speed up your job search.

The JobCentre may be able to help you to arrange work experience to help you to get back into work.

How To Start Looking For A Job

Most jobseekers will start by looking for vacancies in their chosen profession, however; it is also possible to make speculative applications to companies. The JobCentre or a recruitment agency may be able to provide you with a list of suitable vacancies in your area. This will allow you to see a lot of vacancies in one place, rather than having to visit numerous different websites or companies.

Once you have reviewed suitable vacancies, you will be able to start making your application. Every application has different requirements, so it is important that you read the requirements carefully before you apply.

Long Term Unemployment

Long term unemployment is officially classified as being unemployed for more than one year. Being unemployed for such a long time can be very difficult, because it can have profound psychological effects on the unemployed person. Long term unemployment increases the likelihood of suffering from depression, loneliness and a lack of self-confidence. Being unemployed for a long time can also cause some potential employers to consider your application in a negative light.

It is a good idea to spend your unemployment period upskilling, using free online learning courses. You may also want to take on voluntary work during your unemployment, so that you can maintain some of your existing skills and have something to put on your resume.

Getting Back To Work

Getting back to work after long term unemployment can be hard. The most difficult challenge that you will face is convincing potential employers that you are the right person for the job, compared to all of the other available candidates.

You may be asked about your unemployment as part of the job application process. Answer truthfully, but use your answer to convince your employer that there were some benefits to your period of unemployment. Spend the rest of the interview focusing on your positive professional qualities.

Once you start a new job, you will have to take time to prove to the employer that they have made the right decision in picking you for the position.

Unemployment can be difficult, but it is important to stay focused and maintain the right mindset. If you cannot get the job that you want, you may have to compromise and look at other options. Taking a more junior position or a position that you are overqualified for may actually be the best way to get to your dream job.

You should always be prepared to listen to the instructions and advice of your JobCentre Plus advisor, because they understand a lot about the position that you are in.