Risk | For a Job
If you know a few 20 somethings, you probably know people frustrated and looking for a job. I see lots of posts on the web about how to write the perfect CV, behave in an interview (if you can get one) and dressing for success. I also see lots more touting ridiculous jobs in multi-level marketing outfits, £500 investments that will make you £1000s, and so on. When things are not going your way, it works to simplify.
What do I mean? Simplify your approach and simplify your thinking.
What is likely the biggest single hurdle for small companies (and big I suppose) to jump in order to hire you? Risk. Taking a risk on you working out. How can you mitigate that risk? By showing them you can perform; try Volunteering for a company you want to work with…make them realise how hard life was before you started helping out around the place. This will make them jump. This put’s the risk with you, but it’s not a great risk if you are gaining something in the process, experience.
We have hired at least 3 volunteers and hourly staff into full-time professional positions. We realised how hard it was before they came to work for us and we didn’t want to go back.
Set the boundaries (time), set the expectations (what you can do), and put yourself out there.
Employers; listen up. This is not a gimmick, it’s a sure fire way to mitigate your risk.
Jobseekers; take action. Volunteer.
Hmmm, perhaps. This may work if you volunteer for a socially responsible company such as Camberwell. Sadly my own industry (media) is well-known for its exploitation of bright young whippersnappers, who often end up working for free for months and months on end, with no glimmer of a paid position on the horizon. And if you issue an ultimatum or leave? Well, there are scores of other youngster jockeying for your unpaid position…
There is a saying, often applied to bloggers’ books, that goes, “Why pay for the cow, when you can get the milk for free?” Does it apply to (free) labour too?
Karyn: Sadly this is true. But even in the dog eat dog world of some sectors, the experience can still be leveraged…just not might be with original firm.
I support volunteering as a great way to get your foot in the door. It should be agreed from the outset, whether there is potential for paid work or not, that in volunteering you seek in exchange for your time, constructive feedback to help you in your search for work. Today’s networking tools can both help young people connect with volunteering and to build work references that testify to their talent and skill.