Are you unemployed or unemployable?

The job market is tough. Competition is strong, and employers are becoming more selective and not understandable. Many graduates are struggling to find jobs. They are stuck between, not unemployed but also not getting the jobs they want. We've all experienced this phase at some point or we all know of a relative, friend, neighbour or acquaintance that is said to have been job searching for years with no results.

This isn't to scare you, but to start an important discussion. The reality is that many graduates are not ready for the workforce. They are not unemployed, but rather unemployable.

The Unemployed vs. The Unemployable: Let's make the Distinction

Before we dive deeper, it's important to distinguish between the unemployed and the unemployable. The unemployed are those who are actively seeking work because they have value to add to any organisation that recruits them but haven't yet found it. The unemployable, on the other hand, are those who lack the skills, experience, or attitude necessary to secure and maintain employment in their desired field. As an unemployable, even if you are given a job, you won't be able to perform adequately or add any value to your employer.

The Dichotomy Between Skills and Company-Desired Skills

Let's categorize job seekers into two groups:

1. Those with skills that are not currently in demand in the job market: These individuals possess valuable abilities, but the market landscape has shifted, rendering their expertise less relevant. This can happen due to technological advancements, industry changes, or evolving consumer preferences.
2. Those with skills unrelated to what companies require: This group includes individuals who have developed expertise in a particular field but lack the specific skills necessary to thrive in their desired roles. For instance, skills that are specific to a particular company.
3. Those with no skills or competences: This category is made up of individuals who want to work but have no skills, neither hard nor soft skills

It's crucial to recognize that "skills" encompass both hard and soft skills. Hard skills are teachable and measurable abilities, such as programming or financial analysis. Soft skills, on the other hand, are interpersonal attributes like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

While possessing a strong foundation in both hard and soft skills is essential, companies often have unique requirements that necessitate further training and development. Therefore, beyond recruiting for existing skills, companies must invest in training programs to equip employees with the specific knowledge and abilities needed to excel within their organization. This approach not only benefits the company by ensuring a competent workforce but also empowers employees with the tools they need to succeed and grow professionally. Now, where do you situate yourself?

The Attitude Problem: Entitlement vs. Effort

Many graduates in Sub-Saharan Africa enter the workforce with a sense of entitlement, expecting a high-paying job simply because they have a degree or a Masters. This attitude is a major turn-off for employers. A Gen Z thing? In contrast, those who show a willingness to learn, adapt, and work hard are much more likely to succeed. In Rwanda, for instance, the government's focus on fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development has led to graduates who are more adaptable and ready to meet employers' needs. Similarly, in Ghana, graduates who participate in internships and skill-building workshops often find better job opportunities and career growth. NOw, this doesn't require young graduates not to know their worth or underpaid, but simply to cultivate the culture of humility and passion to serve.

The Experience Paradox: No Experience, No Job

You need experience to get a job, but you can't get experience without a job. Internships, volunteering, and freelance work can help bridge this gap, yet many graduates are not taking advantage of these opportunities. For example, in some countries in SSA, a significant number of graduates overlook internship programs that could provide valuable experience. Similarly, in most Francophone Africa, volunteering and freelance work are often underutilized as pathways to gaining the necessary skills and experience for full-time employment. By actively seeking out these opportunities, graduates can better position themselves in the job market. Many students rely on family support during studying, holidays are other periods where they go home to help the families. This impacts their availability to take unpaid internships that could help build their work experience prior to graduation.

The Harsh Truth: Unemployability is a Real Problem

The term "unemployable" is harsh, but it's a reality we need to address. Some graduates are simply not competitive in the job market. This can be due to a lack of skills, a poor attitude, a lack of experience, or a combination of factors.

The Good News: It's Not Too Late

It's important to note that being unemployable doesn't mean you'll never find a job. It simply means you need to take proactive steps to improve your employability and the right time to start consciously horning you employability skills is now.

Employability Checklist for Graduates:

1. Skill Up: Identify the skills that are in demand in your field and take courses, workshops, or online tutorials to develop them. Be creative, learn beyond the classroom and get the skills required to access and grow within your organisation.
2. Attitude Adjustment: Leave the entitlement at the door. Embrace a growth mindset and a willingness to learn and work hard. Doing the small tasks look easy but it's never easy. Be a doer, rather than a talker. Be humble and teachable. Be ready to learn, relearn and unlearn.
3. Gain Experience: Seek out internships, volunteer opportunities, or freelance work to build your resume and gain practical skills. Never reject an opportunity to gain experience even if it is an unpaid opportunity. Even though i don't encourage unpaid internships, seize that opportunity to upskill if you can.
4. Network: Connect with people in your field. Attend industry events, join online groups, and reach out to alumni. LinkedIn is where you spend your days to learn about trends in your industry, apply for jobs and grow your network.
5. Personal Branding: Develop a strong online presence that showcases your skills and experience. Positioning yourself as an expert in your field is important. Join online conversations, make contributions, be mindful of the way you show up and the image you carry along, online or offline. Just resharing a valuable post in your field is essential if you're not able to develop them yourself. Also don't forget to connect with industry impacts, podcasts and events.

The job market is tough, but it's not impossible. By taking proactive steps to improve your employability, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job. Remember, it's not just about having a degree; it's about having the skills, attitude, and experience that are valuable in the job market

Share your thoughts and other complete the employability checklist in the comments section