Foiled by 'relevant experience'

• www

  6 Mar 03, 03:23

  Extracted from The Straits Times Forum
  
  RETRENCHED workers are having difficulty finding jobs. So are quite a large number of fresh graduates. I am one of them.
  
  I have been unemployed for six months despite applying for jobs in marketing and customer service and even for the post of admin assistant. I have also lowered my pay expectations, all to no avail, foiled by two words: 'relevant experience'.
  
  I have none. That automatically disqualifies me from 95 per cent of vacancies. Even the remaining 5 per cent of vacancies open to fresh graduates usually go to those with relevant experience.
  
  I even tried for jobs that required 'minimum one-year relevant experience', hoping against hope that I would at least get an interview. With 200 applicants for each vacancy, I stood no chance.
  
  For those who are retrenched and forced to look to entirely different jobs, it will be hard because they do not have the relevant skills and experience. Retrain, says the Government. They heed the call, acquire new skills and get new qualifications but, most probably, they will lose out to the frivolous job-hopper with 'relevant experience'.
  
  The Government says their jobs are lost and will not return. They must adapt and find new jobs, but most companies will not hire someone without relevant experience, even if he has the qualification.
  
  During my job search, I see lots of ads on the Internet and in newspapers. These jobs, though many, cater mainly to the job-hopper.
  
  Fresh graduate? 'We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.' Retrenched, retrained but new to the industry? 'Sorry, you have no relevant experience.' Worked for a competitor? 'When can you start?' For six months, I felt anger, frustration and a sense of uselessness. These feelings become stronger with each passing day.
  
  I worked for my qualification. Now, it seems that the paper is useless.
  
  Many of us graduate with dreams. Then, we were told to be realistic and not be choosy. Does that mean giving up our dreams?
  
  Like many others, I am confused.
  
  TAN KOK HIAN
  
  will this deters you from getting a higher qualification?
• jovial_joel

  6 Mar 03, 03:35

  it may seem a bit shameful but have you approach any of your friends or relatives for help?
  
  they might recommend you a job that you can take up while looking for a better, more suitable job to your qualifications.
  
  dun stress or grumble...time will not stop or change ....its best to plan ahead.
  
  tomorrow will be better
• jOhO

  6 Mar 03, 03:41

  Originally posted by jovial_joel:

  it may seem a bit shameful but have you approach any of your friends or relatives for help?
  
  they might recommend you a job that you can take up while looking for a better, more suitable job to your qualifications.
  
  dun stress or grumble...time will not stop or change ....its best to plan ahead.
  
  tomorrow will be better

  i'm glad u're optimistic!
  
  i'd have to say tho, this is the point of view of an unemployed, and probably capable esperience-less person. imagine an employer were to post his reply, there would be no reason for him to choose someone who's experienced over someone who isn't. and it's an employer's market out there. while i don't deny that there are shrewed ones out there, the bulk of them just makes decision based on logic, and in true fashion of business theory, looking out for the company's benefit, not the employee.
  
  so we basically have a chicken and egg lor. no exp how to get job. no job how to get exp?
  
• jovial_joel

  6 Mar 03, 03:46

  true to wat you said. but im rite now working and gaining experience with which i gained the help and recommendation from my relatives...
  
  thats why i say blood is thicker than water...
  no exp nevermind...as long as ur willing to bear hardship and learn without any prejudice, i guess nothing is quite that difficult.
  it takes time to adjust but im sure you'll find a job that will satisfy wat u want in life
  
  cheers
• www

  6 Mar 03, 03:48

  no experience is bad experience.
• Subaru_WRX

  7 Mar 03, 12:30

  low morale liao.......
• cwill

  9 Mar 03, 16:37

  I think i will be next on the "chopping block" ....