Current Generation Y graduates and first jobbers - those born between the late 1970s and 2000 - are currently badly affected by limited job availability and staff reductions.

In times of recession, the phrase 'last in first out', seems to ring true for many organisations. Generation Y have never experienced a recession, so the current economic downturn may come as a shock.

With businesses re-assessing both current and forecasted staffing levels in the present economic downturn, it is inevitable that younger workers are most likely to find themselves jobless.

Jan Coetzee, Managing Director for Manpower South Africa comment: “To ‘Generation Y’, the years of university study should be tough to secure employment, but in current economic conditions a degree is no longer the meal ticket that it used to be. Having traditionally expected a lot from employers, such as an appropriate work / life balance and evidence of a commitment to CSR, the reality of the jobs market will come as a real shock.”

With the turbulent times likely to persist in the foreseeable future, job options are both lessening and changing to keep up with employers' changing needs.

Some businesses have made high profile and aggressive cuts across their workforce but, as the situation stabilises, temporary roles will increase. Employers are more likely to take a “wait and see” approach when hiring permanent staff until such a time as the market picks up.

Coetzee adds: “Permanent recruitment is a costly process, and although the job market will be flooded with candidates over the next several months, employers will look to a temporary workforce as a bridge to permanent hires until such time that the economic climate settles.

‘Generation Y’ should consider temporary roles that will enable them to stay active in the marketplace and maintain an edge over fellow jobseekers – many of whom will have more actual work experience.

"Temporary roles offer many of the same benefits as permanent employment, such as holiday and sick pay, as well as vital exposure to different industry sectors.”

In this increasingly competitive marketplace, employers will look favourably on job seekers who keep their CVs up-to-date and use initiative to increase both their skills and on-the-job experience.

Volunteer work, either locally or abroad, will also be favourably looked upon as an indicator of hard work, as it shows an ambition to succeed.

“Unfortunately, many employers will turn Generation Y applicants down in favour of a candidate that has actual work experience under their belts.

"But a sensible employer will see the value of taking on junior members of staff on work experience placements or assignments, as there is limited risk and a low level of commitment on their part," concludes Coetzee.

Generation Y should also be open to working in industry sectors that wouldn’t necessarily be considered a glamorous first option. At present, employers in the utilities sector remain positive about hiring in the first six months of 2009, and opportunities also exist within the public sector.

Although these may not be sectors that first spring to mind with Generation Y, being open minded and gaining work experience in other fields will enable longer term career goals to be achieved.

Manpower offers these top tips to young job seekers:

Temporary work
Temporary work can be a highly lucrative means of employment, and one that offers variety and flexibility to individuals. Temporary workers are also traditionally more appealing to employers during times of recession so job seekers should take advantage of this trend.

Adapt expectations
Try to keep an open mind when applying for jobs and don’t limit yourself: jobseekers no longer have the luxury of being choosy as it is very much an ‘employers market’ out there.

Work experience
Consider work experience opportunities as a foot-in-the-door to your chosen industry. It shows an eagerness to succeed and a commitment to learn. You may have to sacrifice a disposable income for the short-term but the long-term benefits will pay you back ten-fold.

Up-skill
Consider retraining so that you maximise your employment options. Many companies such as Manpower offer free training which is an ideal option for those keen to maintain a competitive edge.

For more information please visit Manpower.

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