Finding work.

[Bloodly]

I'm 21. I have few qualifications. Have been 'unemployed' since 16. I WANT to find work, but I'm having a seriously hard time finding anything, as about 95% of positions seem to require previous experience-even those at the minimum wage.(�5.05, I believe?)

I have no idea what to DO. Any advice? It's quite a trap I'm in-to get the experience, I need the job. To get the job, you need the experience...and the gap doesn't help.

[AliFlump]

What kind of work are you wanting to get into? Noone starts at the top so how bout looking for a job in a shop or bar first. This will give you experience of working with the public and handling money

[joko]

try some work experience. if you tell the dole your plan they will be fine as long as you are not being paid. they want this, as it shows you are doing all you can to get a job. unfortunately there is no quick way in - you must start at the bottom.

[noxlumos]

If you don't mind shop work then you can gain experience working for a charity or even go abroad working for charities sometimes on a voluntary expenses only basis. Bar work, kitchen work etc usually doesn't involve too much previous experience always nor do some manual kinds of work. Depends what it is you want to do.

[Bloodly]

Even bar jobs and cleaning jobs at minimum wage are looking for previous experience now, sometimes even a year or more. I wish I were kidding.

I don't even care WHAT work anymore. Though I'd probably prefer an office job. I'm not exactly outdoorsy. But again, the same problem-even the 'office junior' positions say 'previous experience essential'. It's almost funny, it really is.

[jennifer_cro]

Why not do some courses in things you're interested in at college? I think these are usually free to people on the dole. They can often help you find work placements as part of your course which will get you both the qualifications and experience you need and you never know, one of the placements may offer you a permanent role.

Good Luck

[Scarlett]

Bloodly, you need some careers guidance. If I were you I would think about what you most would like to do with your life, and make steps to making that happen. Don't settle for something menial just to make do.

Why not go to College? They will get you through a qualification and give you loads of career advice, write you references and get you into university if that is what you want. You could also study a vocational course which will get you qualified to become a builder/electrician/mechanic/beauty therapist/hairdresser/chef/stone mason among others.

[lady_p_gold]

Have you thought of being a modern apprentice ?? I am not sure what the age limit is, but there are two people in my office who have ended up with a full time position and a career by entering this way and we have another one starting next week !

[lady_p_gold]

www.apprenticeships.org.uk/youngpeople/faqs/

[gemmabe]

you dont need any experience to do avon http://avongirlz.co.uk