REC Hears from Active Jobseekers at Sunemployment Roadshow

Jobseekers attending the Roadshow put questions to the panel about how to best target their jobsearch, make their applications stand out to employers, and ultimately get that new job they were clearly so keen to secure. Although many had been out of work for several months, or even a year, they welcomed the news that REC members are beginning to see the jobs market grow again, albeit slowly.

Questions centred around how younger jobseekers can break into the jobs market, where those who lost jobs during the recession should look for new opportunities, and of course a number of pressing questions to the Minister about the structure, delivery and customer experience at JobCentre Plus. One positive comment from the audience suggested that JobCentre Plus staff should more often refer jobseekers to experienced recruiters, which is something we've long promoted.

I was able to share some advice about working with agencies, which went down well with the audience. These tips included seeking out recruiters with specialist expertise in the sector where they wish to work, being open to temporary or part-time roles which could be a stepping stone to longer-term opportunities, and drawing on recruiters' experience in interview preparation and researching the company they wish to work for.

This was an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of the industry to a large group of candidates, many of whom have valuable skills and enthusiasm to offer employers but may not have been aware of the support on offer from REC members. It was also an opportunity to reinforce key messages with large employers, as well as the Employment Minister, who remains supportive of our work.

Read an article about the event in The Sun.