With unemployment rates increasing every day, many people are finding themselves without work. According to Stats SA the first quarter of 2020 yielded a 30.1% unemployment rate, which is a 1% increase from the fourth quarter of 2019. Since these findings, the pandemic of COVID19 will most likely cause the number to increase with many businesses closing their doors, reducing staff hours and retrenching staff. Analysts have warned that the new unemployment rate could rise to a staggering 50%.
“With figures such as these painting a very bleak picture regarding the future of employment within the country, many people are finding themselves working shorter hours, or without jobs, and even though these situations can take longer than expected to rectify themselves, this is not the time to stop trying to find work and gain experience,” states Stephen Dallamore, Managing Director of Search Partners International.
In times such as these, there are ways in which individuals can gain experience and make money while looking for fulltime work.
- Freelancing is a great way to make money and gain experience at the same time. Don’t turn down work simply because you feel something better will come along. Keep yourself busy while you wait and, who knows, a freelance job could turn into something more long term.
- Use this time to create an impressive CV. Your CV is your first impression, and it needs to be impressive enough to put you on the shortlist for the interview process. Working on your CV and adding in all relevant information, will give you the edge over some of the other applicants.
- Learn another skill that can complement your current education, and further your career. Practise your new skill until you feel competent enough to update your CV to reflect this. “A new skill opens up new avenues for you to explore, as well as allows you to apply for temporary and permanent positions that you would not have applied for in the past,” explains Stephen.
- Send your CV to a recruitment agency to keep on file for any future job opportunities that will come up. Also, make sure to tell them that you would be willing to take temporary positions, and contract work.
- Contact old work colleagues, previous bosses, friends and family to let them know that you are looking for a position. Should they know of one that you are suitable for, they will be able to recommend you. You will never know until you ask.
“Finding yourself in tough times does not mean that it is permanent. Knowing that it is not impossible is the first step in getting back on track,” motivates Stephen.
