The global job hunt

Finding a job is usually quite a chore, but when the economic situation of your country shows signs of a significant recession, the task becomes even more gruelling.

As an international exchange student spending some quality time in England, I’ve hit a bit of a financial wall where the hunt for work has become an unpleasant priority.

With an unemployment rate of 6.1 per cent in the United Kingdom, young people are struggling to find work to help them pay for their post-secondary education, or even after they have completed their degrees.

“The recession means that companies are not taking on as many people as they used to,” said accounting major Mike Saville. “It limits my chances.”

As Saville finishes up his final year at the University of Central Lancashire, he has already begun to apply for graduate scheme opportunities in order to stay ahead of the unemployment curve. With companies taking on graduate students and providing them with extra qualifications, a better foundation to achieve that dream career is created.

Saville admits that he’s nervous about his search for a job but remains optimistic that he won’t be left high and dry.
However, Caitlin Simpson saw firsthand how difficult it was to find work while living on this side of the pond. The 20-year-old Canadian had moved to Ireland in the beginning of September 2008, and soon realized how unforgiving the job market there was.

“I knew it wouldn’t be as easy as it is (in Canada) because friends had told me about the recession, but I didn’t think it would be impossible.” Simpson said.

Having applied to all sorts of jobs, ranging from cinemas, coffee shops and clothing stores, and not receiving any call-backs, Simpson soon realized she would be forced to pack up and return home to Calgary, only a few months into her planned year overseas.

Upon her return, Simpson managed to find work in only two weeks, which she chalked up to luck, but how easy it was stands in stark contrast with the employment situation over here.

I myself can’t help but feel the uncertainty of acquiring a job and managing to stay in England. This whole experience is making me realize how important it is to not take having a job for granted, especially at the rate the economy is crashing down on us.
So if what is currently going on in the U.K. is any indicator of how much more difficult it will be to find work back home in Canada, all I can do is concur with what Saville advises.

“Get into it as fast as you can and think very far ahead.”

I don’t mean to be a total “Debbie Downer” but merely to give a friendly reminder to start thinking about the future. There are opportunities out there, they’re just not given to you on a silver platter anymore. So put in a lot of effort on that resumé and keep your eyes peeled for job vacancies. As for me, my next few weeks will be spent handing out applications to any man, woman, or child willing to give me a decent job.