Readers share job-seeking advice for young people in UK
9 reported
The Guardian asked readers for advice for young jobseekers after reporting that about 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK are not in employment, education or training, and that a recent report said this could rise to 1.25 million by the early 2030s without urgent government action. Readers offered tips including making your own luck, being visible on LinkedIn, casting a wide net, and being kind to yourself. One reader suggested creating your own job opportunity by offering to work on a commission-only basis for a few months. Another advised accepting the first job offer and sticking to it until you find a better one. Networking and following up with contacts were also emphasized.
What’s reported
About 1 million 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK are not in employment, education or training.
A recent report said this could rise to 1.25 million by the early 2030s without urgent government action.
Readers advised making your own luck, posting content online, and not being afraid of being seen as cringey.
One reader suggested finding cheap hobbies and volunteering to maintain self-esteem during a job search.
Another reader said having a LinkedIn profile and being active is essential.
A reader recommended focusing on securing a job for now, not for life, and developing transferable skills.
One reader proposed creating a job opportunity by offering to work on a commission-only basis for a few months.
A reader advised accepting the first job offer and sticking to it until you find a better one.
Networking and following up with contacts were highlighted as important.
Key figures
Christopher, 28, London (reader)
Kay, 35, mathematics tutor, Staffordshire (reader)
Nikola Doanova, 31, Brighton (reader)
Ryan McKiernan, 31, managing director of a charity, London (reader)
Tim Castle, author, Singapore (reader)
Christine, 75, Kent (reader)
Kuldip, semi-retired teacher, Sheffield (reader)
Sources: The Guardian
