stuck on JSA, completely unemployable.

Hi,

Alex, I am sorry to hear your plight.

We run a professional social networking website zoomspec.com (UK based). One of its aims is to connect job seekers with small businesses and in particular new start-ups.

The Government are encouraging new start-ups, but it takes a long time to develop and grow a business. If this process could be speeded up, then it would lead more quickly to new job creation. If they could draw on people like you (maybe offering your services for free or for a small fee initially) then you gain work experience in the industry you are wanting to work in (IT) and the business can grow much faster. Because you have built a rapport with these small business owners, they are more likely to hire you (if you did a good job for them) than go through the normal recruitment process.

Your knowledge and skills are ideal for Virtual Assistant roles – as a Virtual Assistant, you can offer all your services on a remote basis. Maybe doing internet marketing, social media marketing etc.

There is more than one way to skin a cat, and just because you don’t have formal qualifications in IT, it doesn’t mean you can’t demonstrate your skills. I have met people with IT qualifications coming out their ears, and people with none who can run rings around the ‘qualified ones’. There are lots of things you can do:

Firstly, join us and create an online profile (its completely free). If you have access to a video camera or a mobile phone with video recorder, create a couple of video presentations (they don’t have to be works of art) maybe some ‘how to’s’ to demonstrate some of the skills you have just mentioned. For example, how to install a new hard drive, how to use Facebook for promoting a business and so on – not the best examples but hopefully you get my drift.

Upload these videos to both Youtube, to your zoomspec profile and other appropriate social networks. Create a Blog (either your own or one on zoomspec). Write about IT, the internet, useful websites, social media or whatever interests you (that relates to the work you ultimately want). Participate in the forums and help people out with technical questions.

What all of this does, is it creates a professional online presence that showcases your knowledge and skills – possibly more than a list of qualifications on a hard copy CV can. It shows you practically applying what you know, and presents a more rounded picture of who you are. Employers can see your forum contributions, read your Blog, and see you in action on video or pictures.

As you have these IT skills, have you ever considered setting up an online business?

Good luck with your job search and come join us as sure your skills would benefit some of our members

Hi Alex
I’m sorry to hear your frustrations about finding a job. The suggestions on Zoomspec’s post are great but I would advise you to keep your options open and look at a number of avenue, including self-employment, paid jobs, volunteering and freelance work.
The first thing to do is really take a hard look at your CV and cover letter. I think there are some samples on this website but, like Loztiggy, I’d be happy to take a look at them for you. (I have 17 years of experience in HR.) Unfortunately, there are many young people in the same boat as you these days and you need to do everything you can to stand out and be noticed.
If you want to get into IT but have no experience, I’d advise that you include on your CV examples of where you have used your IT skills. Have you repaired the PCs of friends and family? That’s valuable information to include. If you have written blogs on IT topics, give details of the links in your applications. If you haven’t, why not write them now?
I’m sure you won’t want to get into a trap of unpaid work but a short period of assisting a small business in your area on that basis will get you more experience for your CV and a work referee, which could make the difference.
Good luck.