Train your way out of unemployment

The latest set of figures from the Office of National Statistics show that, for the 3 months leading up to October 2014, the unemployment rate has remained steady at 6%. It does however, also show that the average weekly wage rose by 1.6%, which has taken it to above the inflation rate for the first time since 2009.

Despite the steady unemployment rate, if you compare the new statistics with the stats from the same period in 2013, it does show that there has been a decrease in unemployment over the year, with 455,000 fewer people looking for work.

This means there are still 1.96 people actively looking for work, which means the job market, especially in some industries, is still oversaturated with people seeking employment.

If you are one of these people, there are things you can do to enhance your chances of getting a job. In the guide below are some tips on the best way to boost your CV and get a job in the new year.

1. Work experience

Voluntary work may not be ideal: you won’t get paid, and let’s face it, you have bills to pay. But if you’re unemployed anyway, using your free time to top up your experience and skills is an effective use of otherwise wasted time.

Not only does it prove that you have a determination to work, but it also shows that you are keen and that, even while you’ve been out of work, you’ve been building your self-development.

Try getting in touch with former employers, a desired employer or even just companies that work in a similar industry requesting the opportunity to learn more about the company. Try not to see it as a foot in the door, as even if a job becomes available, you may not get it, but at least you can show that you are trying.

2. Be honest

No matter whether you’ve been out of work for a week or a few months, any potential employer will want to know why. Most people wouldn’t consider leaving a job until they have another one lined up, so periods of unemployment could indicate that you have a flawed work ethic, unless you have a good reason.

Whatever your reason – maybe you were unwell, have been travelling, had up a family or were made redundant and have been been unlucky in your search for a new job – employers will appreciate honesty. Explain your absence in a few sentences either on your CV or on your cover letter, otherwise you could risk losing out before you even make it to the interview stage.

3. Contact a former employer

If you got along well with a former employer and left on good terms – consider getting back in touch with them – not to ask for your old job back, but to have a chat about your industry. If you’ve been out of work for a while, you may find that things in your sector have changed, and if your employer has their ear to the ground, they may be able to update you and could even know of an opportunity in the company or elsewhere that would be suitable.

Make sure you explain your reasoning in getting in touch, because if they feel under pressure to find you a job they may be unwilling to meet you – but if you tell them it’s simply a fact-finding mission, they should be happy to help.

4. Consider temporary or part time work – In any sector!

Any employer will tell you that nothing puts them off an applicant more than excuses as to why they haven’t been in employment. It may be true that you’ve been unlucky, or have been made redundant, but there are plenty of other jobs out there that will keep you in a working routine, even if they aren’t relevant to your normal sector.

Temporary employment, or part time work in a different sector, not matter how unglamourous, will prove that you are determined, have a good work ethic and that you can adapt to a new working routine – but be sure to explain the reasoning behind your temporary change in sector in your CV or cover letter.

5. Re-train

Undertaking training in your sector, to gain new licences or skills that will be valuable to a potential employer, will help you to stand out from the crowd. It will show that you have used your unemployment time productively, and that you have the skills they are looking for – not to mention that they’ll save money training you!

Contact a few potential employers, with your current CV, and ask them what additional training would be beneficial. Once you have an idea, get in touch with a local training company that offers free training courses for the unemployed, or speak to the job centre who should have ties to community training organisations.

Health and Safety Training Ltd offer a range of training courses for people in the the North East of England. So if you are unemployed and on active benefits simply get in touch to find out if you are eligible to enrol.